1

Optical Jobs in Buffalo, MN (NOW HIRING)

Optician

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Demonstrates being a team player in Optical, and all other departments within the Park Nicollet Clinic. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., occasional Saturdays 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Optician - Shoppes at Arbor Lakes

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Optical Education Reimbursement * Free eyewear * And more (just ask!) Some benefits of working at Warby Parker for part-time employees: * Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Employee Stock Purchase ...

Optician - Shoppes at Arbor Lakes

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Optical Education Reimbursement * Free eyewear * And more (just ask!) Some benefits of working at Warby Parker for part-time employees: * Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Employee Stock Purchase ...

Optician - Shoppes at Arbor Lakes

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$18 - $23.25/hr

Optical Education Reimbursement * Free eyewear * And more (just ask!) Some benefits of working at Warby Parker for part-time employees: * Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Employee Stock Purchase ...

Optician - Hampton Village (F/T Days)

Anoka, MN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Overview Superior knowledge of optics with emphasis on the fitting and sale of eyewear. Strong customer service skills. Assist the customer in eyeglass selection and prescription analysis. Support ...

Optometrist

Elk River, MN · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

About us Minnesota Optical Inc. in Elk River has been one of the leading providers of comprehensive eye care services in Minnesota for the last 28 years. We are locally owned and operated and ...

Optometrist

Elk River, MN · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

About us Minnesota Optical Inc. in Elk River has been one of the leading providers of comprehensive eye care services in Minnesota for the last 28 years. We are locally owned and operated and ...

About us Minnesota Optical Inc. in Elk River has been one of the leading providers of comprehensive eye care services in Minnesota for the last 28 years. We are locally owned and operated and ...

Optometrist

Elk River, MN · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

About us Minnesota Optical Inc. in Elk River has been one of the leading providers of comprehensive eye care services in Minnesota for the last 28 years. We are locally owned and operated and ...

Receptionist

Elk River, MN · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

The Optical Receptionist is the usually the first interaction a patient or guest has with the practice, displaying the brand values and reputation is of highest importance. The Optical Receptionist ...

Receptionist

Elk River, MN · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

The Optical Receptionist is the usually the first interaction a patient or guest has with the practice, displaying the brand values and reputation is of highest importance. The Optical Receptionist ...

Receptionist

Elk River, MN · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

The Optical Receptionist is the usually the first interaction a patient or guest has with the practice, displaying the brand values and reputation is of highest importance. The Optical Receptionist ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical information

See Buffalo, MN salary details

$11

$22

$39

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Buffalo, MN is $22.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $24.57 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.

What cities near Buffalo, MN are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities near Buffalo, MN with the most Optical job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Buffalo, MN as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,947 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


HealthPartners rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Park Nicollet is looking to hire an Optician to join our Eye Care team!  Come join us as a Partner for Good and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our patients and their families receive every day. 

Position Summary:

Provides Opticianry skills to properly assist patients with frames and lens selection based on lifestyle needs and prescription analysis. Conducts measurements and evaluates patients' needs before ordering to ensure properly measured and selected eyewear. Fit and adjust eyewear to patients and customers for optimum visual efficiency. Demonstrates competency using Park Nicollet standards for Customer Service and Sales. Demonstrates being a team player in Optical, and all other departments within the Park Nicollet Clinic. 

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., occasional Saturdays 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Required Qualifications:

Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination:

Three or more years related experience.

Licensure/ Registration/ Certification:

Must be ABO certified on hire or obtain certification within 3 years from date of hire.

Once certification is obtained it must be kept current every three years.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Competency in all the mechanical and instruments skills in the scope of Opticianry. 

Knowledge of basic optics and products which reflect traditional practices and services of opticianry. 

Effective verbal communication, human relations, and salesmanship skills 

Demonstrates knowledge of age-related growth and development principles necessary to provide appropriate service and assure safety of patients. 

Proven proficiency in the operation of the following: POS computer, Telephone, Personal Computer, Printer, Photocopier and Fax machine

Preferred Qualifications:

Licensure/ Registration/ Certification:

Preferred American Board of Opticianry certification.

Benefits:

Park Nicollet offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical insurance, dental insurance, a retirement program, time away from work, insurance options, tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, onsite clinic and much more! 

At HealthPartners we believe in the power of good - good deeds and good people working together. As part of our team, you'll find an inclusive environment that encourages new ways of thinking, celebrates differences, and recognizes hard work.

We're a nonprofit, integrated health care organization, providing health insurance in six states and high-quality care at more than 90 locations, including hospitals and clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We bring together research and education through HealthPartners Institute, training medical professionals across the region and conducting innovative research that improve lives around the world.

At HealthPartners, everyone is welcome, included and valued. We're working together to increase diversity and inclusion in our workplace, advance health equity in care and coverage, and partner with the community as advocates for change.

Benefits Designed to Support Your Total Health
As a HealthPartners colleague, we're committed to nurturing your diverse talents, valuing your dedication, and supporting your work-life balance. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support every aspect of your life, including health, time off, retirement planning, and continuous learning opportunities. Our goal is to help you thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially, so you can continue delivering exceptional care.

Join us in our mission to improve the health and well-being of our patients, members, and communities.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.


What HealthPartners employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom