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Optical Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Manager - Optical Center

Harlan, IA · On-site

$27 - $37/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

At Stanton Optical our Sales Consultants create an easy and memorable experience for all of our patients and customers when assisting them throughout our unique sales process to fulfill their eyewear ...

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Optical Center Manager

Harlan, IA · On-site

$27 - $37/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Manager - Optical Center

Atlantic, IA · On-site

$24.50 - $34.50/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Licensed Optical Manager

Harlan, IA · On-site

$27 - $37/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Patient Coordinator

Davenport, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

At Stanton Optical our Doctors Technicians carefully orchestrate an efficient flow and transition from our Clinical services team to our retail team. In this position, you will provide outstanding ...

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Optical Center Manager

Red Oak, IA · On-site

$27 - $37/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Optician

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Communicating with optical laboratories regarding orders. * Checking completed orders for accuracy. * Ordering contact lens materials. * Educate patients on contact lenses. * Travel to other ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$20

$34

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Iowa is $20.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $21.92 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 private practices can reach or exceed $500,000 annually. These positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong patient base, with income influenced by location, reputation, and business skills.

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 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.

How much does a non licensed optician make at Costco?

A non-licensed optician at Costco typically earns around $15 to $20 per hour, depending on experience and location. They assist with frame selection, lens ordering, and customer service in the optical department, often working under the supervision of a licensed optician or optometrist.

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.

What are the different types of optical jobs?

Optical jobs include roles such as optometrists, opticians, optical technicians, and optical engineers. These positions involve tasks like eye examinations, lens fitting, optical device design, and quality testing, often requiring specialized training or certification. The work environment can range from clinics and retail stores to manufacturing labs and research facilities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Iowa? For Optical jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Optical jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Optical job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,884 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Optical Retail Sales Associate FT Ames, IA

Optical Retail Sales Associate FT Ames, IA

Eyemart Express

Ames, IA

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday


Eyemart Express rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 39 rated optical retailers


Job description

Optical Retail Sales Associate 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. Were 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 nations top optical retailers and get to improve lives by helping people see better.

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

As a Retail Associate, you'll guide patients in selecting eyeglass frames, lenses, and coatings tailored to their needs. You'll ensure accurate measurements and prescription information for our lab technicians, oversee the production process, and provide personalized care when dispensing glasses to patients.

Responsibilities

  • Provide Exceptional Customer Service: Use your optical expertise and product knowledge to precisely meet customer needs, ensuring personalized and informed interaction

  • Stay informed about sales, promotions, and company policies

  • Process payments and refunds using our Point of Sale system

  • Educate patients on eyeglass care

  • Process insurance claims

  • Maintain up-to-date product knowledge

  • Create and manage patient files with confidentiality in mind

  • Interpret prescription requirements

  • Take necessary measurements, prepare work orders, and inspect final products for accuracy

  • Adjust and repair frames as needed

  • Price, stock, and organize merchandise

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Optical industry experience is a plus!

  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

Benefits

  • Health Insurance

  • 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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