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Optical Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Optician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Knowledge of effective sales techniques This role utilizes dedicated optical spreadsheets along with Practice Management and EHR software for patient and inventory management. Expected travel is 10 ...

... Optical equipmentUpholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution for ...

As an Optician, you will speak with patients to learn about their lifestyle and needs, take facial measurements, and help them pick out eyewear and contact lenses based on their specific requirements.

As an Optician, you will speak with patients to learn about their lifestyle and needs, take facial measurements, and help them pick out eyewear and contact lenses based on their specific requirements.

Meet optical productivity and financial goals * Assists patients in the selection of their eyewear to conform to prescription specifications, size considerations, color, style application in ...

As an Optician, you will speak with patients to learn about their lifestyle and needs, take facial measurements, and help them pick out eyewear and contact lenses based on their specific requirements.

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Optical information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$22

$38

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Riverside, CA is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.33 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Riverside, CA? For Optical jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Optical jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Optical job openings:
Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer

Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Are you naturally curious? So are we at MKS. Our collective curiosity drives us to be an innovation leader in many industries. Our products drive technology advancements across a wide range of applications such as 5G, augmented/virtual reality, autonomous vehicles, clean drinking water and space exploration. We are a team of collaborators who value fresh thinking and believe in mutual respect, constructive candor, diversity and inclusion. As a valued and trusted partner to our customers, we are continually pushing the boundaries of possibility. We believe in creating technology that transforms our world and are looking for like-minded individuals to join our team. If this is appealing to you, we want to meet you.
We are looking for an exceptional Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer to provide overall engineering support to optical fabrication, specifically lens manufacturing using various methods. You will provide independent review of processes, lead improvement efforts and drive process improvements to closure. In addition, an important aspect of your role will be to interact with technicians to provide sound technical guidance. What you will do:
  • Maximize performance efficiency in various areas of optical manufacturing
  • Plan, direct, and coordinate manufacturing processes in a production and clean room environment: develop, evaluate, improve and monitor manufacturing methods
  • Utilize your knowledge of product design, materials and parts, fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment capabilities, assembly methods and quality control standards
  • Implement statistical process control tools
  • Conduct cross functional reviews to ensure collaboration and cohesive manufacturing and measurement processes for new designs

What will you bring to the team, along with your passion for engineering is:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Optical Engineering or relevant technical degree
  • Organizational, analytical and communication skills
  • 5+ years of experience in optical fabrication
  • Experience with optical metrology using Zygo Interferometers and other metrology equipment
  • Experience with SPC, FMEA, CAD/CAM software(G-Code), and programming languages.
  • Familiarity with LEAN principles

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $95,000 to $140,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.
Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].
MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.
MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.
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Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.
MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .
If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role