ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

PDS Optical

Licensed Optician

Jackson, TN · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

We have Optical Laboratories in Louisville, KY and Fort Lauderdale, FL and manage many optical stores across the US and Puerto Rico. We take great pride in our product and are especially thankful to ...

New

Stanton Optical

Licensed Optician

Knoxville, TN

At Stanton Optical, our Licensed Opticians are charged with creating a superior customer experience by teaching patients and facilitating the dispense process. Our Licensed Opticians have a genuine ...

Stanton Optical

Licensed Optician

Knoxville, TN

At Stanton Optical, our Licensed Opticians are charged with creating a superior customer experience by teaching patients and facilitating the dispense process. Our Licensed Opticians have a genuine ...

Eye Care Center of TN

Optical Assistant

Antioch, TN · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Antioch Eye Care Center is looking for a friendly, dependable, and motivated Optical Assistant to join our growing team! We are seeking someone with previous optical, optometry, ophthalmology ...

Eyewear Designs Ltd.

Optical sales

Memphis, TN · On-site

If you are an experienced optical sales representative, we want to talk to you. Eyewear Designs LTD, a family-owned eyewear manufacturer, is searching for goal oriented, dedicated, individuals who ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Tennessee

Optical information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$19

$33

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Tennessee is $19.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is optical technician a good career?

Optical technicians play a key role in manufacturing, repairing, and maintaining optical devices such as lenses and glasses. The profession typically requires technical training or certification and offers steady employment opportunities in healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Job prospects depend on industry demand and regional employment rates.

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.

What is a career in optics?

A career in optics involves working with the science and technology of light, including designing, testing, and manufacturing optical devices such as lenses, microscopes, and lasers. Professionals in this field often require knowledge of physics, engineering, and specialized tools, and may work in research, development, or manufacturing environments.

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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Tennessee? For Optical jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Optical jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Optical job openings:
Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,473 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Licensed Optician

PDS Optical

Jackson, TN • On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Licensed Optician

PDS Optical is a SDVOSB Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business that manufactures a very large number of eyeglasses each day. We have Optical Laboratories in Louisville, KY and Fort Lauderdale, FL and manage many optical stores across the US and Puerto Rico. We take great pride in our product and are especially thankful to produce eyeglasses for United States Veterans. PDS Optical is an Equal Opportunity employer who values everyone and is committed to EEO for all. We consider our employees to be our most valuable asset and would love for you to consider joining our team.

PDS Optical is currently seeking a Licensed Optician to join our team, based out of the Jackson, TN, VA. The ideal candidate should be a self-motivated, experienced, and dependable individual with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. This is a full-time position with regular hours from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The pay range for this position is $24.00-$26.00 per hour. Responsibilities:

  • Work closely with Veterans in a friendly, professional, and expedient manner.
  • Provide the highest level of customer service to ensure patient satisfaction.
  • Collaborate with the team to maintain a positive and efficient work environment.
  • Adhere to security clearance requirements by passing a background check.

Qualifications:

  • Must have TN Optician License
  • Experience in a similar role is highly preferred.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Dependable and self-motivated.

Benefits:

  • Generous benefits package.
  • Paid Federal Holidays.
  • Commissions and bonuses.
  • Health, Dental, Vision, and many more!

Come work for a great company and feel good about giving back to the Men and Women who served our country!

PDS Optical is an Equal Opportunity and Drug Free Workplace Employer with Affirmative Action plans for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities as required under VEVRAA and Section 503, respectively.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender or sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal

If you need an accommodation seeking employment with PDS Optical of assistance in applying for any of our open positions, please email hrhelpdesk @pdsoptical.com or call 502-813-3318. Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.

Apply