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Optical Lab Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

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How much do optical lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab in Maryland is $21.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical lab?

An optical lab is a specialized facility where prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other optical devices are manufactured and assembled. These labs use advanced machinery and skilled technicians to cut, grind, and coat lenses according to a patient's prescription. Optical labs also fit lenses into frames, check for quality, and ensure that each pair of glasses meets the required standards for vision correction and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical lab technician?

To thrive as an Optical Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of lens fabrication, optical measurements, and quality control, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical training in optics. Familiarity with lens edgers, surfacing machines, and digital measurement systems is essential, and certifications from organizations like the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) can be beneficial. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong problem-solving skills help ensure precision and efficiency in daily tasks. These skills are critical for producing high-quality eyewear that meets both industry standards and customer needs.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in an optical lab and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in an Optical Lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise quality control, managing high volumes of orders, and adapting to rapidly evolving lens technologies. Attention to detail is crucial, as even small errors can impact a patient's vision and satisfaction. To address these challenges, it’s important to follow strict standard operating procedures, utilize continuous training on new equipment, and foster strong communication with optometrists and sales teams to ensure accuracy and timely delivery.

What is the difference between Optical Lab vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical LabOptical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training in lens fabricationHigh school diploma, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing setting, working with lens equipmentRetail or clinical setting, assisting with eyewear fitting
Job FocusFabricating and finishing lensesAssisting with eyewear adjustments and measurements

Optical Lab and Optical Technician roles are related but distinct. The Optical Lab primarily focuses on lens fabrication and finishing in a manufacturing environment, requiring specialized skills and equipment. In contrast, Optical Technicians often work directly with customers or in retail settings, assisting with eyewear fitting and adjustments. Both roles require knowledge of optics but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

How to work at an optical lab?

To work at an optical lab, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may require training in lens fabrication, edging, and inspection. Familiarity with optical tools and safety procedures is important, and some positions may require certification or on-the-job training. Attention to detail and manual dexterity are essential skills for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Lab jobs in Maryland?

The most popular types of Optical Lab jobs in Maryland are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Lab jobs in Maryland?

For Optical Lab jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Lab jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Lab jobs in Maryland are:

What cities in Maryland are hiring for Optical Lab jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most Optical Lab job openings:

Optical Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,014 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

2026 PhD Graduate - Optics and Photonics Postdoctoral Fellow

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD

$50K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 74 rated research

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher in Optics and Photonics Group

Are you an expert in an optics or photonics related field? Are you passionate about helping shape the technology of tomorrow through cutting edge research and development projects? Do you like contributing to multi-disciplinary teams that span multiple organizations? If you are graduating with a PhD in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline and want to apply your expertise to optics and photonics research applications, we'd love to have you join our team as a Postdoctoral Researcher!

As a member of our team, you will collaborate with our teams of skilled scientists and engineers focused on developing innovative solutions to our nation's critical challenges. We seek to drive technology advances in a variety of applications including remote sensing, microwave and millimeter-wave photonics, optical communications, optical system design, high energy laser systems, applied spectroscopy, optical materials characterization, and advanced photonic technologies.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Optics and Photonics Group...

  • Your primary responsibility will be to support projects as an individual technical contributor and thought leader. Examples of this include using software tools to develop modeling and simulation capabilities, designing and setting up complex experiments in various optical laboratories, and performing data analysis.
  • You will serve as a resource to the group and the lab in your area of technical expertise. This includes teaching and mentoring staff at all levels, collaborating with others to propose new ideas, and keeping up with the technical community on state of the art advancements in your field.
  • You will apply your understanding of optics and photonics to develop expertise in new areas in support of a variety of technology programs.
  • You will make an impact by detailing work into formal and informal technical reports including, presentations, conference proceedings, and journal articles.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

  • Have a PhD in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
  • Are an expert in one of the following areas: Remote Sensing, Microwave and Millimeter Wave Photonics, Optical Communications, Optical System Design, High Energy Laser systems and technologies, Applied Spectroscopy, Optical Materials Characterization, or Advanced Photonics.
  • Have excellent written and oral communication skills and an ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Have experience teaching and mentoring others within your field.
  • Are willing and able to work on site at APL and travel occasionally in support of meetings, workshops and reviews with government sponsors, contractors, vendors, and field tests.
  • Are able to obtain and Interim Secret to start and a final Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

  • Have directly relevant experience in a hands on laboratory environment in one or more of the focus areas for this group.
  • Have established yourself in the technical community through journal and conference publications and involvement in professional societies.
  • Hold a current Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain higher-level clearances.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate $85,300 Annually Maximum Rate $155,500 Annually

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