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Optical Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

PZI International

Aero-Optics Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

This position includes developing optical instrumentation for integration into one-of-a-kind hypersonic wind tunnel test facilities and flight test vehicles. While direct experience with aero-optics ...

PZI International

Aero-Optics Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

This position includes developing optical instrumentation for integration into one-of-a-kind hypersonic wind tunnel test facilities and flight test vehicles. While direct experience with aero-optics ...

Essilor

Sales Associate Target Optical

Tuscaloosa, AL

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Requisition ID: 933939 Store # : 002061 Target Optical Position: Part-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we ...

Essilor

Sales Associate Target Optical

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Requisition ID: 932339 Store # : 002028 Target Optical Position: Part-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we ...

EssilorLuxottica

Sales Associate Target Optical

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Requisition ID: 932339 Store # : 002028 Target Optical Position: Part-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Alabama

Optical information

See Alabama salary details

$10

$19

$33

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Alabama is $19.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

In the optical field, high-paying roles such as specialized ophthalmologists or optometrists with extensive experience and advanced certifications can reach or exceed $500,000 annually. These positions often require advanced degrees, clinical expertise, and sometimes ownership of private practices or leadership roles in healthcare organizations.

Is optical technician a good career?

Optical technicians assist in the fabrication, repair, and fitting of eyeglasses and contact lenses, often working in optical labs or retail settings. The role typically requires technical skills, attention to detail, and may involve certification or training programs; job prospects are steady with opportunities for advancement in the optical industry.

How much money do opticians get paid?

Opticians typically earn a median annual salary of around $37,000 to $40,000, depending on experience, location, and certification. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, such as fitting complex lenses or working in high-demand areas, and may include benefits like health insurance and paid time off.

What Is the Difference Between an Ophthalmologist, an Optometrist, and an Optician?

Optometrists and ophthalmologists are both medical eye care professionals, but they differ in their level of training. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors and complete eight years of medical school. They can practice medicine and perform surgery. Optometrists are not medical doctors. Optometrists earn a doctor of optometry degree after attending four years of optometry school. These professionals primarily perform eye exams and vision tests, but they can also identify some basic eye abnormalities. Optometrists are also licensed to prescribe some medications. Opticians are eyewear specialists and do not need any formal medical education.

What are the different careers in optometry?

Careers in optometry include optometrists who examine, diagnose, and treat eye conditions, as well as opticians who fit and dispense corrective lenses. Other roles include ophthalmic technicians, vision therapists, and practice managers, all working in clinical or retail settings. These careers often require specific certifications or licenses and involve skills in patient care, eye health, and use of diagnostic tools.

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 strong understanding of optics, lens fabrication, and vision correction, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Familiarity with lensometers, auto-refractors, and optical dispensing software is typically required. Attention to detail, customer service skills, and effective communication help you excel when assisting patients and collaborating with eye care professionals. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate prescription fulfillment, patient satisfaction, and the smooth operation of optical services.

What is the difference between Optical vs Optometrist?

AspectOpticalOptometrist
CredentialsTypically requires optical technician or assistant certificationRequires Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and licensure
Work EnvironmentOptical stores, eyewear retail, labsClinics, private practices, healthcare settings
Industry UsageFocuses on eyewear fitting, lens selection, customer serviceFocuses on eye exams, vision testing, diagnosing eye conditions

Optical roles mainly involve assisting with eyewear and customer service, while optometrists provide comprehensive eye care and diagnosis. Both are essential in eye health but differ significantly in education and scope of practice.

What are optical jobs?

Optical jobs refer to roles within the vision care and eyewear industry, such as opticians, optical assistants, and technicians. These professionals help customers select and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses, assist with vision tests, and provide support to optometrists and ophthalmologists. They may also perform repairs and adjustments on eyewear and educate customers about lens options and eye care. Working in optical jobs typically requires strong customer service skills and a basic understanding of eye anatomy and optical products.

What are some common challenges faced by optical technicians, and how can they effectively address them?

Optical technicians often encounter challenges such as keeping up with evolving lens technologies, managing high volumes of customer orders, and ensuring precise fabrication and fitting of eyewear. Staying updated through ongoing training and certifications is essential to handle new equipment and materials. Additionally, strong communication and organizational skills help in coordinating with optometrists and delivering excellent customer service. Collaborating closely with the rest of the optical team ensures that patient needs are met efficiently and accurately.
More about Optical jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Alabama? For Optical jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Optical jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Optical job openings:
Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,418 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Optical Design Engineer

Optical Design Engineer

IERUS Technologies, Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Since inception in 2010, IERUS has built, systematically grown, and expanded our facilities and capabilities to include complete analysis, design, test, prototyping, and low-rate production capabilities to support defense and commercial needs. IERUS maintains a positive, employee-focused work culture for innovation across the defense life cycle. IERUS’s founders recognized a need for employee-driven innovation in science and engineering that was not possible at previous employers.

We focus on pushing the bounds of science, expediting technology transition, providing an engaging work environment for our employees, and bringing high-value solutions to our customers. In the last decade, IERUS has grown our core competencies in electromagnetics phenomenology, analytical computing, and weapon systems engineering. These competencies are applied across mission areas of Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Strategic Systems, and Unmanned System technologies and provide the foundation on which we build complete solutions to our customers.

IERUS offers competitive compensation packages, retirement options, and benefits packages.

Job Description:

IERUS Technologies is seeking a self-motivated Optical Design Engineer to build and perform integration and evaluation of electro-optical sensor systems. This position involves significant hands-on laboratory work and interaction with team members during sensor development. The position is also contingent on the award of funding.

Required Skills:

  • Bachelor's degree in Optics, Engineering, Physics, or a related field;
  • 5+ years experience in research, development, production, or operation of aerospace and defense systems;
  • Strong background in optical system design, tolerance analysis, and optical materials (5+ years);
  • Proficiency in optical modeling tools such as Zemax, CODE V, or similar (2+ years);
  • Proficiency in data analysis and reduction in tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar (2+ years);
  • Experience conducting optical experiments (e.g., optical alignment, imaging system characterization, etc.);
  • Familiarity with Word, PowerPoint, and/or Excel to author technical documentation;
  • Strong interpersonal and technical communication skills;
  • Must be a US Citizen and meet eligibility to obtain/maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Skills:

  • Master's degree in Optics, Engineering, Physics, or a related field;
  • 10+ years experience in optical system design, tolerance analysis, and optical materials (5+ years);
  • 5+ years designing, producing, or utilizing opto-mechanical systems for IR, near IR, or visible spectrum applications;
  • Previous experience in a lab and field environment researching and/or testing different optical, electro-optical, or opto-mechanical sensors and systems;
  • Interest or prior experience in diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving optical, mechanical, and electrical issues affecting optical systems;
  • Willing and able to work in a clean room.

Location: Huntsville, AL

IERUS Technologies is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.

IERUS Technologies participates in E-Verify.