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Optical Jobs in Madison, AL (NOW HIRING)

PZI International

Aero-Optics Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

This position includes developing optical instrumentation for integration into one-of-a-kind hypersonic wind tunnel test facilities and flight test vehicles. While direct experience with aero-optics ...

PZI International

Aero-Optics Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

This position includes developing optical instrumentation for integration into one-of-a-kind hypersonic wind tunnel test facilities and flight test vehicles. While direct experience with aero-optics ...

EyeCare Associates

Optical Technician / Optician

Madison, AL · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Employee Discounts SUMMARY An Optical Technician will achieve a world class Total Patient Experience that maximizes retail sales while also supporting the patients' medical needs. This team member is ...

EyeCare Associates

Optical Technician / Optician

Madison, AL · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

SUMMARY An Optical Technician will achieve a world class Total Patient Experience that maximizes retail sales while also supporting the patients' medical needs. This team member is trained to ...

EyeCare Associates

Optical Technician / Optician

Madison, AL · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

SUMMARY An Optical Technician will achieve a world class Total Patient Experience that maximizes retail sales while also supporting the patients' medical needs. This team member is trained to ...

EyeCare Associates

Optical Technician / Optician

Madison, AL · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Employee Discounts SUMMARY An Optical Technician will achieve a world class Total Patient Experience that maximizes retail sales while also supporting the patients' medical needs. This team member is ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Madison, AL

Optical information

See Madison, AL salary details

$9

$18

$31

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Madison, AL is $18.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $20.00 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 Madison, AL?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Madison, AL are:

What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Madison, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Madison, AL are:

What cities near Madison, AL are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities near Madison, AL with the most Optical job openings:

Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Madison, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,218 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Optical Design Engineer

IERUS Technologies, Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Description
IERUS specializes in technology research, testing, and implementation with core competencies in electromagnetics phenomenology, computational analytics (algorithm acceleration and machine learning), and weapon system engineering. IERUS develops value for our defense and commercial customers through accelerations of the technology life cycle: identifying, creating, transitioning, and producing technologies with integrity of purpose and product. IERUS offers competitive compensation packages, retirement options, and benefits packages. To learn more, please visit www.ierustech.com.
IERUS participates in projects that address weapon systems engineering and the application of advanced machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques as well as RF/Optical hardware prototyping and low rate production. We generally seek to apply agile development fundamentals across our corporate portfolio to accelerate technology development timelines. The end goal being early discovery, accelerated development, and high customer engagement.
Job Description:
IERUS Technologies is seeking a self-motivated Optical Design Engineer to build and perform integration and evaluation of electro-optical sensor systems. This position involves significant hands-on laboratory work and interaction with team members during sensor development. The position is also contingent on the award of funding.
Required Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optics, Engineering, Physics, or a related field;
  • 5+ years experience in research, development, production, or operation of aerospace and defense systems;
  • Strong background in optical system design, tolerance analysis, and optical materials (5+ years);
  • Proficiency in optical modeling tools such as Zemax, CODE V, or similar (2+ years);
  • Proficiency in data analysis and reduction in tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar (2+ years);
  • Experience conducting optical experiments (e.g., optical alignment, imaging system characterization, etc.);
  • Familiarity with Word, PowerPoint, and/or Excel to author technical documentation;
  • Strong interpersonal and technical communication skills;
  • Must be a US Citizen and meet eligibility to obtain/maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Skills:
  • Master's degree in Optics, Engineering, Physics, or a related field;
  • 10+ years experience in optical system design, tolerance analysis, and optical materials (5+ years);
  • 5+ years designing, producing, or utilizing opto-mechanical systems for IR, near IR, or visible spectrum applications;
  • Previous experience in a lab and field environment researching and/or testing different optical, electro-optical, or opto-mechanical sensors and systems;
  • Interest or prior experience in diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving optical, mechanical, and electrical issues affecting optical systems;
  • Willing and able to work in a clean room.

Location: Huntsville, AL
IERUS Technologies is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.
IERUS Technologies participates in E-Verify.

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