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Optical Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Vision Source

Optical Lab Technician

Albuquerque, NM

$15 - $18/hr

We are looking for a dependable and detail-oriented Optical Lab Technician who enjoys working with their hands, learning new technical skills, and contributing to a team that takes pride in ...

Sandia Vision Clinic

Optical Lab Technician

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

We are looking for a dependable and detail-oriented Optical Lab Technician who enjoys working with their hands, learning new technical skills, and contributing to a team that takes pride in ...

Stanton Optical

Doctor's Technician

Albuquerque, NM

At Stanton Optical our Doctor's Technicians carefully orchestrate an efficient flow and transition from our Clinical services team to our retail team. In this position, you will provide outstanding ...

Stanton Optical

Patient Coordinator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

At Stanton Optical our Doctors Technicians carefully orchestrate an efficient flow and transition from our Clinical services team to our retail team. In this position, you will provide outstanding ...

New

Stanton Optical

Patient Coordinator

Santa Fe, NM

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

At Stanton Optical our Doctor's Technicians carefully orchestrate an efficient flow and transition from our Clinical services team to our retail team. In this position, you will provide outstanding ...

Stanton Optical

Sales Consultant

Santa Fe, NM

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 ...

Stanton Optical

Doctor's Technician

Albuquerque, NM

At Stanton Optical our Doctors Technicians carefully orchestrate an efficient flow and transition from our Clinical services team to our retail team. In this position, you will provide outstanding ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Optical information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$9

$19

$33

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Rio Rancho, NM is $19.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $21.01 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 job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Optical job openings:

Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,218 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Optical Engineer - Experienced/Senior

Jobtailor

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$110 - $165/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

  • Oversee the design, fabrication, and integration of high-precision optical systems, facilitating the transition of conceptual opto-mechanical frameworks into functional experimental hardware
  • Establish and validate technical specifications for optical systems and components to ensure adherence to performance standards
  • Execute trade studies and simulations to optimize system performance and design
  • Resolve complex optical challenges through innovative engineering and analysis
  • Support project management by providing work statement, budget, schedule and other required inputs and by reporting project status
  • Writes appropriate sections of proposals to support development of new business
Requirements
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus in Electrical, Mechanical or Aeronautical), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
  • 4+ years of experience in optical design
  • 4+ years’ experience with optical software, Zemax, Code V, or OSLO
  • 9+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Advanced study in Optical Specialization
  • Active U.S. Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance
  • Experience working with adaptive optics systems
  • Experience with advanced engineering hardware design, fabrication, evaluating, and testing processes
  • 5+ years of experience performing modeling and/or simulation of Electro-Optical and Infrared systems with a technical computing language, such as Matlab or Mathematica
  • A strong dedication to a teaming dynamic, strong written and verbal skills, and detail oriented.
Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in optical design and engineering, with a strong focus on high-precision optical systems and advanced engineering hardware design. Proficient in modeling and simulation of Electro-Optical and Infrared systems, while maintaining a commitment to project management and effective communication.

Highest-signal resume keywords
  • Optical Design
  • Zemax
  • Electro-Optical Systems Modeling
  • U.S. Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance
  • Adaptive Optics Systems
ATS Optimization KeywordsHard Skills
  • Optical Design
  • Modeling
  • Simulation
  • Optical Software
  • Technical Computing Language
  • Engineering Hardware Design
  • Fabrication
  • Testing Processes
  • Optical Specialization
  • Performance Standards
Soft Skills
  • Team Collaboration
  • Written Communication
  • Verbal Communication
  • Detail Oriented
Certifications & Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering
  • Active U.S. Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance
Industry Keywords
  • Opto-Mechanical Frameworks
  • High-Precision Optical Systems
  • Trade Studies
  • System Performance Optimization
  • Project Management
Tools & Technologies
  • Zemax
  • Code V
  • OSLO
  • Matlab
  • Mathematica
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