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Optical Jobs in Laurel, MS (NOW HIRING)

DiverseGOV

Administrative Assistant

Hattiesburg, MS · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Enjoy a competitive pay and benefits options including medical, dental, optical and more, a 401K savings plan, paid sick time, paid federal holidays and paid time off/vacation after 1 year. As a ...

Howard Industries

Vision Systems Engineer

Laurel, MS · On-site

Deep understanding of industrial optics, including the physics of light and how to filter out ambient interference in a factory setting. * Communication: Ability to collaborate with PLC Engineers ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Laurel, MS

Optical information

See Laurel, MS salary details

$9

$18

$32

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Laurel, MS is $18.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $20.14 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 cities near Laurel, MS are hiring for Optical jobs? Cities near Laurel, MS with the most Optical job openings:
Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Laurel, MS as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,508 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
Optical Lab Technician FT Hattiesburg, MS #046

Optical Lab Technician FT Hattiesburg, MS #046

Eyemart Express

Hattiesburg, MS

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Eyemart Express rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 39 rated optical retailers

Job description

Optical Lab Technician 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 improve lives by helping people see better.

As an Optical Lab Technician, you'll be responsible for cutting, edging, and creating prescription lenses to ensure customers receive their new glasses in a timely manner. Your technical skills and attention to detail will contribute to our high standards of quality and service. Experience is preferred but not required, as we are willing to train the right candidate.

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

Responsibilities:

Lab Work: Identify and work with basic optical laboratory equipment, tools, supplies, and materials. Consistently adhere to hourly deadlines for finishing jobs.

Prescription Management: Correctly read and interpret prescription specifications and input into the computer to ensure lenses are cut properly.

Maintenance: Maintain the lab area and equipment in a safe and organized manner. Perform daily, weekly, and monthly lab equipment maintenance as scheduled and in accordance with lab/equipment manual specifications.

Operational Excellence: Perform multiple concurrent tasks at several different equipment stations to maintain acceptable job flow. Fill out all assigned reporting forms in a timely manner.

Requirements:

High School Diploma or GED

Experience working in a lab or technical setting

Experience working in the optical industry is preferred

Must be able to read, comprehend, and follow technical manuals and protocols

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.

What Eyemart Express employees say

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