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Optical Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Arizona Optical Metrology LLC

$90 - $120/hr

AOM is bringing decades of experience in optical metrology expertise to bear on some of the most demanding optics applications on earth - the fast-growing commercial space telescope industry, extreme ...

West Point Optical LLC

Optical Sales Associate

Florence, KY · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

The basic function of the Optician is to attract and retain patients by delivering an exceptional patient experience, foster patient retention, and promote outstanding doctor satisfaction. MAJOR ...

West Point Optical LLC

Optical Sales Associate

Florence, KY · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

The basic function of the Optician is to attract and retain patients by delivering an exceptional patient experience, foster patient retention, and promote outstanding doctor satisfaction. MAJOR ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

$78 - $176/hr

## Optical EngineerApplylocations: Dahlgren, VAtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: November 11, 2026 (30+ days left to apply)job requisition id: R0246988Optical ...

Industrious Ventures

$135 - $185/hr

Optical requirement decomposition * Optical requirement verification planning * Optical performance analysis * Stray light analysis (using FRED) * Structural Thermal Optical Performance analysis ...

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

$120 - $180/hr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use ...

Dr. Snipes & Associates

Optical Technician

Lexington, KY · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

As an Optical Technician, you will utilize core skills in optometry and medical office knowledge to provide exceptional patient care and support. Your premium skills in patient care and HIPAA ...

Dr. Snipes & Associates

Optical Technician

Lexington, KY · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

As an Optical Technician, you will utilize core skills in optometry and medical office knowledge to provide exceptional patient care and support. Your premium skills in patient care and HIPAA ...

Dr. Snipes & Associates

Optical Technician

Lexington, KY · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

As an Optical Technician, you will utilize core skills in optometry and medical office knowledge to provide exceptional patient care and support. Your premium skills in patient care and HIPAA ...

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Optical information

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How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Kentucky is $18.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $20.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 long is schooling to become an optical?

Becoming an optical technician typically requires completing a post-secondary program or certificate that lasts from several months up to a year. For opticians, the process often involves completing an associate degree or a specialized training program, followed by certification or licensing depending on the state or country. Practical experience and knowledge of optical equipment are also important components of training.

Is optical technician a good career?

Optical technicians assist in the fabrication, repair, and fitting of eyeglasses and optical devices, often working in retail or laboratory settings. The role typically requires technical training or certification and offers steady employment with opportunities for advancement in the eye care industry.
More about Optical jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Kentucky?

For Optical jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Optical job openings:

Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,730 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Optical Engineer

On-site

Arizona Optical Metrology LLC
Specialized Design Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Arizona Optical Metrology LLCexternal

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

AOM is bringing decades of experience in optical metrology expertise to bear on some of the most demanding optics applications on earth – the fast-growing commercial space telescope industry, extreme precision optics for EUV lithography, and a host of other consumer, research, and industrial technologies that will shape humanity’s future through optics.

We are a fast-growing optics metrology business supporting amazing technology development all around the world.We operate with the pace and feel of a tech startup with the security of a mature technology at its core.It’s challenging, fun, and offers many opportunities to learn and grow for a motivated Optical Engineer.

Our products and services include:

  • Computer Generated Holograms (CGHs) enabling interferometric testing of optical surfaces – aspheres, freeforms, cylinders, conic sections, and many other complex surface shapes and optical systems
  • Mechanics for precise positioning and alignment of CGHs and test optics
  • Development of complete optical test setups for the fast-growing commercial space telescope industry, consumer electronics customers, the semiconductor lithography industry, and many other applications.
Essential Functions
  • Highly skilled in optical modeling in Zemax, including macros and linking extensions
  • Experience withInterferometric optical testing, including test setups, making measurements, and reducing data
  • Comprehension of optical drawings and specifications, and ability to translate these into feasible metrology solutions, including error budget and test uncertainty estimates
  • Proficiency with programming languages Matlab, C, Java, and Python
  • Occasional customer site visits and tradeshow participation to demonstrate use of our products
  • Develop detailed reports and customer-facing documentationfor custom CGH designs
Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess these skills and qualifications:

  • BSin Optical Engineering and 5years'practical experience in related field, or MS with 3 years' experience
  • Proficient in optical design and analysis in Zemax
  • Strong programming skills a plus
  • Hands-on experience setting up and aligning optical systems, making precision measurements with Interferometer, CMM, laser trackers is a plus
  • Understanding of optical surface specification, GD&T, kinematic constraints, and experience putting these ideas into practice is a plus
  • Due to the nature of some of the projects we take on, US Citizenship or Permanent Resident visa (green card) required
Why AOM?

We are a fast-growing optics metrology business supporting amazing technology development all around the world.We operate with the pace and feel of a tech startup with the security of a mature technology at its core.It’s challenging, fun, and offers many opportunities to learn and grow for a motivated Optical Engineer.

Compensation

Competitive salary
Generous benefits package

401kcontribution
Profit sharing

Community

Company lunches, activities, and events

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