Partner with Sales, Product Engineering, and Operations leadership to assess manufacturability ... Associates may be asked to perform additional tasks depending on strengths and capabilities ...
Partner with Sales, Product Engineering, and Operations leadership to assess manufacturability ... Associates may be asked to perform additional tasks depending on strengths and capabilities ...
Optical Sales Associate information
See Prospect, KY salary details
$11.01 - $11.89
2% of jobs
$11.89 - $12.77
4% of jobs
$12.77 - $13.65
7% of jobs
$14.42 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.65 - $14.53
13% of jobs
$14.53 - $15.41
14% of jobs
The median wage is $15.98 / hr.
$15.41 - $16.30
15% of jobs
$16.30 - $17.18
17% of jobs
$17.35 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.18 - $18.06
14% of jobs
$18.06 - $18.94
6% of jobs
$18.94 - $19.82
4% of jobs
$19.82 - $20.70
3% of jobs
$11
$16
$20
How much do optical sales associate jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical sales associate in Prospect, KY is $16.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is an optical sales associate?
Optical Sales Associates are retail professionals who help customers choose eyeglasses, contact lenses, and related products based on their prescriptions and preferences. They assist with frame selection, explain lens options, take measurements for proper fitting, and process sales transactions. Optical Sales Associates may also handle insurance claims, perform basic adjustments or repairs on eyewear, and provide excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction. Their role combines product knowledge, fashion sense, and technical skills in a fast-paced retail environment.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical sales associate, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Optical Sales Associate, you need strong sales acumen, knowledge of eyewear products, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, lens fitting devices, and basic optometric terminology is typically required. Excellent customer service, active listening, and interpersonal communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure you can effectively assist customers, recommend suitable products, and drive sales in a retail optical environment.
What are some common challenges optical sales associates face when balancing customer service with sales targets?
Optical Sales Associates often navigate the challenge of providing personalized, informed service while also meeting sales goals set by management. Striking the right balance means actively listening to customers’ vision needs and preferences, recommending suitable products, and building trust—all without being overly pushy. Success in this role comes from product knowledge, excellent communication, and a genuine desire to help customers find the best optical solutions, which naturally supports sales objectives. Many associates find that developing strong relationships and focusing on education leads to both satisfied customers and consistent sales performance.
What is the difference between Optical Sales Associate vs Optical Technician?
| Aspect | Optical Sales Associate | Optical Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | High school diploma or equivalent; sales experience | Certification or associate degree in optical technology |
| Work Environment | Retail optical stores, eyewear boutiques | Optical labs, eye care clinics, retail stores |
| Job Focus | Customer service, selling eyewear, assisting with frame selection | Lens fitting, frame adjustments, optical measurements |
| Common Usage | Sales and customer interaction | Technical optical work and lens processing |
The main difference between an Optical Sales Associate and an Optical Technician lies in their focus and responsibilities. Optical Sales Associates primarily assist customers with eyewear selection and sales, while Optical Technicians handle the technical aspects of lens fitting and optical equipment. Both roles are essential in the optical industry but require different skill sets and certifications.
What cities near Prospect, KY are hiring for Optical Sales Associate jobs?
Cities near Prospect, KY with the most Optical Sales Associate job openings:
Samtec rating
8.6
Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
27th of 160 rated electronics manufacturers
Job description
Samtec, Inc
Founded in 1976, Samtec is a privately held, $1 billion global manufacturer of a broad line of electronic interconnect solutions, including High-Speed Board-to-Board, High-Speed Cables, Mid-Board and Panel Optics, Precision RF, Flexible Stacking, and Micro/Rugged components and cables. Samtec Technology Centers are dedicated to developing and advancing technologies, strategies and products to optimize both the performance and cost of a system from the bare die to an interface 100 meters away, and all interconnect points in between. With 40+ international locations and products sold in more than 125 different countries, Samtec's global presence enables its unmatched customer service.
THIS POSITION WILL BE ONSITE AT SAMTEC'S HEADQUARTERS IN NEW ALBANY, IN
SUMMARY / OBJECTIVE: The Global Process Engineering Manager leads a global team responsible for the design, standardization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for Mainstream products. This role is accountable for maintaining global process alignment across all sites, driving measurable cost savings, mentoring engineering talent globally, and providing strategic manufacturing guidance to support new customer opportunities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Establish, maintain, and enforce standardized process documentation and best practices across all global manufacturing sites.
- Serve as the central authority for global process consistency, ensuring all sites adhere to approved process standards and methodologies.
- Coordinate with site Process Engineering teams to identify and close process gaps between locations.
- Work with Product Engineering Managers, Automation Engineering Managers, Tooling Engineering, and Production Managers to design products and processes for global manufacturability.
- Lead the identification, prioritization, and implementation of continuous improvement opportunities across the global process engineering portfolio.
- Manage improvement projects from concept through full implementation, ensuring measurable outcomes are documented and sustained.
- Drive a minimum cost savings target of $1M per year per Global Process Engineer through structured improvement initiatives.
- Implement and maintain robust tracking systems to capture real, verified cost savings data post-implementation, ensuring traceability from project identification through realized benefit.
- Utilize engineering tools including Six Sigma, DMAIC, DOE, Root Cause Analysis, Gage R&R, and other analytical methodologies to evaluate process capability and resolve recurring issues.
- Manage and develop a global team of Process Engineers, fostering a culture of engineering excellence, accountability, and innovation.
- Provide direct guidance, coaching, and mentoring to Global Process Engineers at all career levels, supporting their technical and professional development.
- Help resolve escalated technical issues and remove organizational barriers that impede team performance.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and development planning for all direct reports globally.
- Provide manufacturing process expertise and strategic guidance to support new customer opportunity evaluations, ensuring proposed processes are technically feasible and economically viable.
- Partner with Sales, Product Engineering, and Operations leadership to assess manufacturability requirements and process investment needs for new programs.
- Support the development of process roadmaps aligned with the company's long-term manufacturing strategy.
- Manage the portfolio of all global process engineering projects, including delegation, prioritization, and progress reporting to senior leadership.
- Maintain excellent communication with upper management, providing regular updates on project status, cost savings performance, and team metrics.
- Must be customer-focused and champion Sudden Service principles across the team.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; skilled in project management tools and reporting.
"The responsibilities as defined are intended to serve as a general guideline for this position. Associates may be asked to perform additional tasks depending on strengths and capabilities."
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:
- 5+ years of experience in Process Engineering or a related Engineering discipline.
- 2+ years of experience managing engineering teams, specifically in Process Engineering.
- Demonstrated track record of delivering measurable cost savings through continuous improvement programs.
- Experience with real savings tracking and reporting methodologies (post-implementation verification).
- Experience in the semiconductor or microelectronics industry is strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to mentor and develop engineering teams in a global, multi-site environment.
- Strong communication skills with demonstrated ability to present to and influence upper management.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and rapidly reprioritize based on business needs.
- Ability to travel required.
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Materials Science).
- Six Sigma Green Belt required; Black Belt certification is strongly preferred.
About SAMTEC
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
New Albany, IN, US
Year founded
1976