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Optical Technician Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Vertex Optics

Optical Technician

Victor, NY · On-site

$18 - $28/hr

Vertex Optics is not just another company, and this opportunity is not just another job! At Vertex, you are an important member of the team. What you do here matters. Vertex was recognized as one of ...

Vuzix

Optical Technician Assembler

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

The Optical Technician Assembler will perform all machine set-ups, execute the production plan and work with Engineering on issues that occur. Debugs current products and machines when failures occur.

IDEX Corporation

Optical Fabricator

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$79K/yr

Optical Fabricator This role is onsite and nonexempt. This role reports to the Glass Shop Supervisor Why Work for Us * Be part of a team driving innovation in advanced materials and thin-film ...

IDEX Corporation

Optical Fabricator

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$52K - $79K/yr

Optical Fabricator This role is onsite and nonexempt. This role reports to the Glass Shop Supervisor Why Work for Us * Be part of a team driving innovation in advanced materials and thin-film ...

IDEX

Optical Fabricator

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

Optical Fabricator This role is onsite and nonexempt. This role reports to the Glass Shop Supervisor Why Work for Us * Be part of a team driving innovation in advanced materials and thin-film ...

IDEX

Optical Fabricator

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

Optical Fabricator This role is onsite and nonexempt. This role reports to the Glass Shop Supervisor Why Work for Us * Be part of a team driving innovation in advanced materials and thin-film ...

Ametek

Optical Lab Technician

Rochester, NY

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

As an Optical Lab Technician at Navitar in Rochester, NY , you will be responsible for technical functions related to calibration, alignment, fabrication, assembly and modification of optical ...

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Optical Technician information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10

$21

$36

How much do optical technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical technician in Rochester, NY is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do optical technicians make a year?

Optical technicians typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the work environment, such as retail, healthcare, or manufacturing, and may increase with specialized skills or advanced training.

What is an optical technician?

Optical Technicians are skilled professionals who fabricate, assemble, or repair optical devices such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other optical instruments. They work with precision equipment to cut, grind, and polish lenses according to prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists. Additionally, they may fit lenses into frames, perform quality checks, and ensure that finished products meet required specifications. Optical Technicians play an essential role in helping people achieve optimal vision through customized optical solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Technician, you need a solid understanding of optical science, lens fabrication, and equipment maintenance, often backed by a certificate or associate degree in opticianry or a related field. Familiarity with lensometers, edgers, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is typically required, and certification from organizations like the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) is advantageous. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong customer service skills help you excel in crafting precise eyewear and assisting clients effectively. These competencies ensure accurate prescriptions, high-quality products, and a positive patient experience in a technical and customer-focused environment.

How much do optical technicians earn?

Optical technicians typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced technicians with specialized skills can earn higher wages. They often work in optical labs, eye care clinics, or manufacturing environments, using tools like lensometers and spectrometers.

What is the difference between Optical Technician vs Optician?

AspectOptical TechnicianOptician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certification often preferredHigh school diploma, certification or license often required
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, optical labsOptical retail stores, clinics, private practices
Job ResponsibilitiesAssembling lenses, repairing glasses, maintaining optical equipmentFitting glasses, adjusting frames, helping customers select eyewear

Optical Technicians primarily focus on lens fabrication and equipment maintenance within labs, while Opticians work directly with customers to fit and sell eyewear. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What does an optical technician do?

An optical technician, also known as an ophthalmic laboratory technician, fills prescriptions for eyeglass lenses and contact lenses. As an optical technician, you may work in a medical equipment laboratory or directly in an optometrist’s office. One of your job duties is utilizing manufacturing machinery, such as grinders and lensometers, to ensure each lens is curved to the correct prescription for individual patients. Optical technicians are different from opticians, but some offices use the terms interchangeably. A technician usually works closely with an optometrist, or eye doctor, to ensure that each set of lenses is created correctly. Other common responsibilities include fitting glasses frames to suit the patient’s face, checking the correct prescription is sent to the lab, and drafting records about each order that is filled. Some employers require optical technicians to perform administrative duties, such as updating patient records and verifying insurance policies.

What are some common challenges optical technicians face when working in a fast-paced laboratory setting?

Optical Technicians in busy laboratories often encounter challenges such as managing multiple orders with tight deadlines, ensuring precise measurements and lens fabrication, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Staying organized and maintaining attention to detail is crucial, as even minor errors can impact the quality of finished eyewear. Additionally, effective communication with optometrists, lab managers, and other team members is key to resolving issues quickly and maintaining workflow efficiency.

Do optical technicians need a degree?

Optical technicians typically do not need a college degree but usually require a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers prefer candidates with technical training or certification in optical technology, which can be obtained through vocational programs or community colleges. Certification from organizations like the American Board of Opticianry can also enhance job prospects.
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Optical Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Technician job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,998 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Optical Technician

Vertex Optics

Victor, NY • On-site

$18 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Vertex Optics is not just another company, and this opportunity is not just another job! At Vertex, you are an important member of the team. What you do here matters. Vertex was recognized as one of the 2024 Best Companies to Work for in New York!Optics TechnicianReports to: Production ManagerJob Summary: Fabricate prototype optical components of exceptional quality for use in aerospace, medical, defense, semi-conductor, and energy industries.Expectations:•Produce high quality, complex optical components to customers' specifications. •Set up and operate conventional optical manufacturing equipment or computer-controlled fabrication machines (5- axis simultaneous CNC equipment). •Prepares tooling for grinding, polishing or measurement setups. •Use measurement devices such as CMM, micrometers, etc.•Use knowledge, skills and intellect to solve complex problems.•Hold close tolerances during the fabrication and integration of complex optical configurations.•Follow engineering drawings, manufacturing instructions, procedures, process specifications, schematics, sketches, or verbal instructions.•Develop exceptional processes and procedures for Vertex teammates to follow.•Inspect work and hold high quality standards.•Maintain accurate notes, record data, track job time, and properly fill out documentation. •Communicate safety, quality, productivity, and personnel issues to supervisor.•Cross train and assist team members.Qualifications:•Technical and mathematical aptitude.•A.S. or B.S. technical degree helpful.•CAM/Mastercam beneficial.•Computer skills.•Experience with various glass materials helpful. •Machinist experience helpful.•CMM experience helpful.•Complex problem-solving skills, good judgment, and decision-making skills.•Self-starter, capable of working with little direction and able to follow procedures. •Strong work ethic, act with integrity, honest, reliable, dependable, and positive attitude. •Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and to prioritize tasks.•Ability to function well in a fast-paced and at times stressful environment.Work Schedule:o Full Time (40+ hours per week)o Core hours: Monday – Friday, 7am – 3:30pmo Flexibility to work overtime and weekends as needed.Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, 401k, Paid Family Leave, Holidays, PTO.Visit our website at www.VertexOptics.com to learn more about our organization.ITAR Restricted: This position is restricted to US Citizens, Permanent Residents or Green Card Holders.