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Optical Technician Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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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 ...

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Optical Technician information

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How much do optical technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical technician in Rochester, NY is $20.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 enhance job prospects and demonstrate proficiency in the field.

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 complexity of tasks, work environment, and additional skills such as lens fitting or equipment maintenance.

Is optical technician a good career?

Optical technicians play a key role in manufacturing and repairing optical devices such as lenses and glasses, often working in laboratories or retail settings. The career typically requires technical training or certification and offers steady employment with opportunities for specialization. Job prospects are generally stable, especially with experience and additional certifications.
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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, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,155 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Development Manager, Optical Metrology

Corning

Fairport, NY

$147K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 hours ago

Corning rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 74666

The company built on breakthroughs. 
Join us.                   

Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what's possible. 

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations- not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company,and the world, forward. 

At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more. 

Come break through with us. 

Corning's businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with: 

  • Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
  • Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
  • Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
  • Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences 
  • Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation 
  • Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions
Role Purpose

Corning Incorporated is hiring a Development Manager, Optical Metrology at our technology site in Rochester, NY. This role typically works 40+ hours per week with flex as needed. 

Shape the future of advanced optics manufacturing in this hands-on leadership role within Corning's Advanced Optics surface finishing and optical fabrication development group. You will work closely with the Optical Fabrication Development Group Lead in support of Advanced Optics initiatives in Fairport, NY; Keene, NH; Canton, NY; and Sullivan Park Research Center in Corning, NY. In this role, you will translate business and product roadmaps into clear priorities and strong execution across optical metrology development, while leading innovation, developing people, and helping keep Corning at the forefront of optical systems innovation.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians focused on optical metrology development
  • Translate business and product roadmaps into clear plans, priorities, and execution strategies
  • Drive innovation in optical metrology processes and precision measurement systems
  • Manage schedules, budgets, technical risks, and tradeoff decisions across multiple priorities
  • Partner closely with the Optical Fabrication Development Group Lead, optical design teams, coating teams, and equipment vendors
  • Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships to support program goals
  • Ensure effective transfer of development work into engineering and production
  • Balance near-term execution with longer-term technology development needs
  • Build an inclusive, accountable culture through coaching, onboarding, and performance management
  • Reinforce a proactive safety mindset across the team
Minimum Qualifications & Skills
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Optics, Physics, Engineering, or a related field
  • 8+ years of experience in optical metrology and precision measurement systems
  • 3+ years of people leadership or technical team leadership experience
  • Deep technical knowledge of high-precision optical metrology technologies and methods
  • Effective communication and listening skills
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
  • Experience developing new metrology process technologies and validating capability
  • Record of accomplishment of delivering technological innovation on schedule and within budget
  • Experience with business case development, value proposition validation, and technical risk management
  • Familiarity with program management tools such as MS Project or equivalent
  • Comfort using AI tools to support analysis, planning, or productivity

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.


The range for this position is $147,037.00 - $202,176.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. 

A job that shapes a life. 

Corning offers you the total package. 

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.  
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions. 

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

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