ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Big City Optical

Part Time Optician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Job Type Part-time Description Big City Optical is a leading firm in the optical industry, recognized for our innovative products and commitment to excellence. We are currently seeking an Optician to ...

AD 4 Inc

Be Seen First

Optical Lens Edging Technician

Prospect Heights, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The ideal candidate brings some optical or lab experience, strong communication skills, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities * Cut lenses to order using our state-of-the-art ...

Big City Optical

Optician (La Grange)

La Grange, IL · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Big City Optical is a leading firm in the optical industry, recognized for our innovative products and commitment to excellence. We are currently seeking an Optician to join our team and support the ...

Eye Society

Optician / Optical Sales

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

If you have sales, customer service or optical experience and want to launch a successful career, you are the perfect fit for our FT/PT Optician position in Chicago, IL! In this Optician role, you ...

Eye Society

Optician / Optical Sales

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

Apply Now Why You'll Love This Job If you have sales, customer service or optical experience and want to launch a successful career, you are the perfect fit for our FT/PT Optician position in Chicago ...

Big City Optical LLC

Part Time Optician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Big City Optical is a leading firm in the optical industry, recognized for our innovative products and commitment to excellence. We are currently seeking an Optician to join our team and support the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Chicago, IL

Optical information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$22

$38

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Chicago, IL is $22.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.04 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Chicago, IL? For Optical jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Optical jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Optical job openings:
Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,937 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
Optician/Certified Optician (Evanston)

Optician/Certified Optician (Evanston)

Big City Optical

Evanston, IL • On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Big City Optical is a leading firm in the optical industry, recognized for our innovative products and commitment to excellence. We are currently seeking an Optician to join our team and support the company's mission of providing preeminent eye care in our communities.
The optician is the main point of contact for new and current patients. They work with the optometrist's recommendations to match lenses, frames and combinations therein to match the patient's vision needs. The Optician, accurately fits, measure and adjusts frame for maximum usability by the client, ensuring quality and integrity of eye ware before leaving the store
Optician Duties and Responsibilities
  • Conduct pre-examination assessments of patients
  • Work closely with the optometrist to understand and deliver on specific patient vision requirements.
  • Understand and evangelize Big City Optical's value proposition to clients
  • Assist patients in selecting frames and lenses that best suit their prescription needs and lifestyle.
  • Accurately measure and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, ensuring a comfortable and optimal vision experience for each patient.
  • Educate patients on lens options, including features and benefits, to help them make informed decisions.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the latest trends in eyewear and advancements in lens technology.
  • Monitor orders and update patients on any delays.
  • Conducts quality assessment of orders prior to patient pickup.
  • Work with colleagues to manage inventory, including ordering, receiving, organizing frames and lens supplies and participating in off hours inventory count work as needed.
  • Provide excellent customer service, resolving any issues professionally.
  • Perform administrative tasks related to patient records, store operations and insurance billing.
  • Conducts follow up calls to check in on patients and proactively advise on eyecare appointment availability.
  • Additional responsibilities as assigned to support the overall success of the store.

Requirements
Optician Requirements and Qualifications
  • 1 year experience preferred, not required.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to engage effectively with diverse clientele.
  • Detail-oriented, with strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Adhere to company policies on attendance, dress code and workplace safety.
  • Reliable transportation and willingness to travel up to 10 miles to support coverage at other locations as needed.
  • ABO certification is a plus

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, climb-up or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus.
Pay: $20-26 per hour
Benefits:
  • Incentive Plan Participation
  • Company subsidized Medical Insurance
  • Company subsidized Dental insurance
  • Company paid Short Term Disability insurance
  • 401(k) with 10% match
  • Paid time off
  • Employee discount plan

Apply