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Optical Lab Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Optician - Float

Gary, IN · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

... optical prescription. Measures client's bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance ... Helps to open and close department and completing nightly orders to be shipped to lab. Helps to ...

Optician - Float

Lake Station, IN · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

... optical prescription. Measures client's bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance ... Helps to open and close department and completing nightly orders to be shipped to lab. Helps to ...

Optician - Float

Hammond, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

... optical prescription. Measures client's bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance ... Helps to open and close department and completing nightly orders to be shipped to lab. Helps to ...

Optician - Float

Portage, IN · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

... optical prescription. Measures client's bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance ... Helps to open and close department and completing nightly orders to be shipped to lab. Helps to ...

Optician - Float

Chesterton, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

... optical prescription. * Measures client's bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance ... Helps to open and close department and completing nightly orders to be shipped to lab. * Helps to ...

Optician - Float

Chesterton, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

... optical prescription. * Measures client's bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance ... Helps to open and close department and completing nightly orders to be shipped to lab. * Helps to ...

Optician - Float

Chesterton, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

... optical prescription. * Measures client's bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance ... Helps to open and close department and completing nightly orders to be shipped to lab. * Helps to ...

Calibration Lab Technician

Crystal Lake, IL · Remote

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

A Calibration Lab Technician will routinely test equipment and instruments to check that their ... Previous work involving optical comparators and CMMs is also valuable. Those with electrical ...

SCSTC ET "A" School Technical Instructor

Great Lakes, IL · On-site

$25.50 - $34.75/hr

Fiber optics and cabling topics include conductor troubleshooting and repair, data cable fault ... Additionally the candidate should be an expert in the delivery of both classroom and practical lab ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical Lab information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$22

$57

How much do optical lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab in Chicago, IL is $22.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $21.30 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 job categories do people searching Optical Lab jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Optical Lab jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Optical Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Lab job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,753 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Optician - Float

Summary/Objective - The Optician conducts pre-tests for the Optometrist, and fills ophthalmic eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions and fits and adapts lenses and frames according to policy.

Essential Functions - Evaluates prescription in conjunction with client's vocations and avocational visual requirements. Determines client's current lens prescription, when necessary, using lensometer or lens analyzer and client's eyeglasses. Recommends specific lenses, lens coating, and frames to suit client needs. Assists client in selecting frames according to style and color, coordinator frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Measures client's bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and optical centers of eyes. Prepares work order and instructions for grinding lenses and fabricating eyeglasses. Verifies finished lenses are ground to specification, receives into system and calls patients to inform them that product is ready to be picked up. Instructs, dispenses, and adjusts products for clients. Instructs clients in adapting to, wearing, and caring for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Computes amount of sales and leads patient to Front Desk staff for payment collection. Helps to work up patients for the Doctor including All Pre-testing and Patient History data. Provides training for insertion & removal of contact lens. Helps in setting up referrals to outside Ophthalmologist offices for continuing care Helps in closing open referrals to our department. Keeps track of Inventory of frames, Orders and Receives in replacement frames into inventory supply. Keeps up to date with all products prices and knowledge. Helps to maintain a clean and sterile environment for patient care, including cleaning of equipment and frame products. Answers patient concerns over the phone and responds in a timely manner. Helps to open and close department and completing nightly orders to be shipped to lab. Helps to order all contact lens and frame product supplies weekly. Prepares and works reports to completion, as needed, under direction of the Director of Optometry. Must maintain up to date knowledge of current Electronic Medical Records and Optical Management Software systems and associated equipment and websites. Other tasks as needed under the direction of the Director of Optometry.

Competencies - Planning and strategic foresight Responsible Decision Making Integrity and accountability Innovation and creativity Adaptive and flexible Leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution Professionalism and work ethic Empathy

Work Environment - Work is performed in an office environment. Involves frequent personal and telephone contact with patients, physicians, and other healthcare personnel. Work may be stressful at times. Interaction with others is constant and interruptive.

Travel - Travel outside of Northshore locations will be rare for this position.

Qualifications - Must be at least 18 years of age Must have reliable transportation High school diploma or equivalent Two years of experience working within a healthcare setting. Associate's degree in healthcare related studies; OR six months to one year of related experience/training Bachelor's degree in healthcare related studies.

Required Skills - Ability to analyze situations and solve problems at strategic and tactical levels Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization's hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors Practiced at organization and planning Employ Critical thinking and problem solving Maintains composure and operates with emotional intelligence Ethical reasoning and decision-making Strong attention to detail Receptive and responsive to feedback Excellent verbal and written communication skills Time management, prioritization, and sense of urgency Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software

Physical Requirements - While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods, work longer than eight (8) hour shifts, and to work both day/evening/weekend shifts. Work may include hand dexterity as well as the need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.