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Optical Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Baldo LLC

Optical Career

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

We are a full service optical lab located on the Scottsdale airpark at Dillon Precision. We manufacture glasses for Independent optometrist, Military and safety glasses for employees of Tesla, Rivian ...

Del Minelli

Experienced Optical Lab Technician

Newton, NJ

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Located in beautiful Stroudsburg, PA Experienced lab tech needed for a busy private optical lab. Schneider Generator System equipped with full AR facility. Essilor integrated lab producing Varilux ...

Del Minelli

Experienced Optical Lab Technician

Newton, NJ

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Located in beautiful Stroudsburg, PA Experienced lab tech needed for a busy private optical lab. Schneider Generator System equipped with full AR facility. Essilor integrated lab producing Varilux ...

Baldo LLC

Optical Career

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

We are a full service optical lab located on the Scottsdale airpark at Dillon Precision. We manufacture glasses for Independent optometrist, Military and safety glasses for employees of Tesla, Rivian ...

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Optical Lab information

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How much do optical lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab in the United States is $21.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Lab Technician, and why are they important?

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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the optical lab industry, high-paying roles such as senior lab managers or specialized opticians can reach six-figure salaries, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or ownership of a lab. However, most positions in optical labs typically do not pay $500,000 annually, as such earnings are more common in executive or entrepreneurial roles across various industries.

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.

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 highest paid optometry job?

The highest paid optometry jobs typically include specialized roles such as optometrists with advanced certifications or those working in private practices, hospitals, or specialized clinics. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and subspecialty areas like ocular disease or vision therapy, with some earning over $150,000 annually. Leadership positions such as clinic directors or optometry practice owners also tend to have higher compensation.

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 is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians are often those working in specialized fields such as pharmaceutical or industrial laboratories, with salaries reaching over $60,000 annually. Experience, certifications, and advanced technical skills can significantly increase earning potential in this role.

Do you need a degree to be an optical lab tech?

An optical lab technician typically does not need a college degree but should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is often provided on the job, and skills in handling optical equipment and understanding lens prescriptions are important. Certification is not required but can enhance job prospects.
More about Optical Lab jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Lab jobs? Cities with the most Optical Lab job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Lab jobs? The most popular types of Optical Lab jobs are:
What states have the most Optical Lab jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Lab jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Lab jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Lab jobs are:
Optical Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 34% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 54% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,349 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
Optical Lab Manager FT Houston, TX Area

Optical Lab Manager FT Houston, TX Area

Eyemart Express

Katy, TX

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

Be an early applicant

Eyemart Express rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 39 rated optical retailers

Job description

Optical Lab Manager Full-Time

30 years ago Dr. Barnes founded Eyemart Express to deliver everything a patient needs. It started with one friendly shop in Appleton, WI and has since expanded to over 245 in 42 states. Today, Eyemart Express is celebrated for promptly delivering quality eyewear at great prices, while maintaining great relationships with optometrists and local communities. We’re not like everyone else, with local labs in stores, eye exams, and same-day delivery on glasses — our customers never miss a moment. Now, you can join one of the nation’s top optical retailers and improve lives by helping people see better.

As an Optical Lab Manager, you'll lead your team to ensure timely and accurate production of eyeglasses, maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. Your experience in optical lab management will help drive our growth and deliver amazing customer experiences.

Earning Potential: The earning potential for this role is competitive, inclusive of base pay and incentives.

Responsibilities:

  • Lab Management: Maintain the lab area and equipment in a safe and organized manner. Manage the lab team to meet all production goals and objectives.

  • Equipment Maintenance: Perform daily, weekly, and monthly lab equipment maintenance as scheduled and in accordance with lab/equipment manual specifications.

  • Problem Solving: Identify and solve problems, and facilitate problem-solving among the team.

  • Operational Excellence: Correctly read and interpret prescription specifications, ensure proper lens cutting, and maintain high levels of workmanship and quality.

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Experience working in the optical industry

  • Experience managing people is preferred

  • Experience working in a lab environment and with optical lab machinery

Benefits:

  • Vision Insurance

  • Dental Insurance

  • Matching 401k

  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

  • Life Insurance

  • Fully paid benefits to maintain licensing requirements and opportunities for advancement

At Eyemart Express, we're dedicated to excellence in everything we do. We understand the importance of work-life balance and strive to be as flexible as possible with scheduling needs to ensure our team members can achieve harmony between work and personal life.

If you're ready to join a company that values excellence, invests in your future, and respects your need for balance, submit your resume today! Eyemart Express is where your career takes off.

This posting provides an overview of the role. A full job description will be provided upon hire.

VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or protected veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

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