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Optical Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

Manager in Training

Modesto, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

At Stanton Optical we bring on Manager in Training roles because we invest in developing our future leaders from the moment they join our family. As a Manager in Training, you will create an easy and ...

At Stanton Optical, our Sales Consultants create an easy and memorable experience for all of our patients and customers when assisting them throughout our unique sales process to fulfill their ...

Manager in Training

Modesto, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

At Stanton Optical we bring on Manager in Training roles because we invest in developing our future leaders from the moment they join our family. As a Manager in Training, you will create an easy and ...

At Stanton Optical our Sales Consultants create an easy and memorable experience for all of our patients and customers when assisting them throughout our unique sales process to fulfill their eyewear ...

At Stanton Optical, our Sales Consultants create an easy and memorable experience for all of our patients and customers when assisting them throughout our unique sales process to fulfill their ...

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Optical information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$11

$22

$39

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Modesto, CA is $22.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $24.62 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 are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Modesto, CA?

For Optical jobs in Modesto, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Modesto, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Modesto, CA are:

What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Optical job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Modesto, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,045 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Manager in Training

Stanton Optical

Modesto, CA • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Stanton Optical rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 40 rated optical retailers


Job description

Reports To: Brand Manager

Location: Store Location

Does a dynamic, exciting and results driven fast-paced environment catch your attention? Are you ready to join a company with tremendous growth opportunities? At Stanton Optical we bring on Manager in Training roles because we invest in developing our future leaders from the moment they join our family. As a Manager in Training, you will create an easy and memorable experience for all of our patients and customers when assisting them throughout our unique sales process to fulfill their eyewear needs. We are looking to match self motivated individuals with a role where they are ultimately in charge of their earning and career potential.

About us:

Stanton Optical is among the nation’s fastest growing, full-service retail optical centers. We are dedicated to offering customer service and quality eyewear at affordable prices to our patients and customers. As a leading optical retailer, we offer some of the nation's most desirable optical brands.

Our team members share and support the Vision, Mission and Values of our parent company, Now Optics. These include:

Vision: Modernizing the eye care experience for all people

Mission: Making eye care easy

Values: iCARE

  • Integrity: We see integrity as building a foundation of trust with our customers, employees and stakeholders by communicating honestly, ensuring consistency and delivering on our commitments.
  • Collaboration: We see collaboration as combining the talents of a diverse group, offering proactive communication and being open-minded to new ideas.
  • Accountability: We see accountability as taking initiative, delivering our best in all we do, accepting responsibility for our actions and taking ownership of results.
  • Respect: We see respect as prioritizing human relationships, being present, connecting with transparency and empathy.
  • Empowerment: We see empowerment as making purpose-driven decisions to support the company vision, showing appreciation for others, and taking care of the individuals we serve.

Hourly Wage Range: $18 to $22 / hour, plus 2% commission on all personal sales.

Why join our winning team?

  • We are the fastest growing, founder-led, and privately owned eye care provider in the United States. We believe quality eye care should be easy, accessible, and affordable for all people. Stanton Optical, consistently rank among the nation’s top optical retailers.
  • We offer a flexible, dynamic work environment where we foster innovation and creativity. We encourage you to be proactive in sharing the great ideas you have to improve the business.
  • Eligible employees enjoy great benefits such as medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage, company paid life and short-term disability coverage and free eyeglasses. We also offer identity theft protection, pet insurance, and much more.
  • Paid time off that increases with seniority
  • Professional development and promotion opportunities
  • Employee recognition programs
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employees get 2 free eyeglasses (no dollar limit) every year, and Friends and Family discounts on our products!
  • We offer competitive variable compensation opportunities and commission on sales.
  • Work with an amazing team!

Responsibilities:

  • Greet our patients and customers as they enter the store, identify patients’ needs to ensure an easy and memorable experience while providing promotional products and services available. Answer customers inquiries
  • Resolve customer complaints, diffuse unsatisfied patients, and provide solutions to remedy situations.
  • Attain sales goals established while complying with company and local policies and procedures.
  • Adhering to quality control standards including OSHA and other safety requirements.
  • Ensure brand standards by performing basic housekeeping duties when necessary
  • Other duties as assigned and required

Qualifications:

  • You have 1+ year of proven track record of delivering outstanding customer service while exceeding sales goals in a fast paced retail environment
  • You have demonstrated leadership ability with at least three years of experience in a fast paced retail environment.
  • You have the ability to multitask, prioritize and be flexible with changing business needs in a team environment
  • You have the skills necessary to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people

Are you the perfect fit?

  • Do you share our vision of modernizing eye care for all people and making eye care easy?
  • Do you have an associates degree or 2 years of store management experience?
  • Are you passionate about outstanding customer/patient care and eager to share that passion with others?
  • Do you have a strong interest in learning, embracing and fostering innovation among your team?
  • Are you consistently promoting high work standards while empowering others to have an entrepreneurial mentality with our company?
  • Do you have schedule flexibility? Work hours will be determined based on business needs
  • Are you knowledgeable about MS Word, Google Docs, etc?
  • Optical experience is a plus

Now Optics d/b/a Stanton Optical and My Eye Lab Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at our company are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or certain classifications based on genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws, regulations or ordinance

If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email retailcareers@stantonoptical.com with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.


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