1

Optician Apprenticeship Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Mentor Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law. * How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every Sunday we're closed! Qualifications * Hold an active dispensing license as required by the state * 3+ ...

Licensed Optician - Part Time

Riverside, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $26.51/hr

Mentor Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law. How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every Sunday we're closed! Qualifications * Hold an active dispensing license as required by the state * 3+ years ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Optician Apprenticeship information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$20

$27

How much do optician apprenticeship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for optician apprenticeship in Riverside, CA is $20.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Optician Apprenticeship vs Optometrist?

AspectOptician ApprenticeshipOptometrist
Required CredentialsOn-the-job training, certification programsDoctor of Optometry degree, state licensure
Work EnvironmentOptical stores, retail settingsClinics, private practices, healthcare facilities
Industry UsageAssist with eyewear fitting and repairsDiagnose and treat eye conditions

The main difference is that an Optician Apprenticeship focuses on fitting and repairing eyewear with on-the-job training, while an Optometrist is a licensed healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats eye diseases after completing a degree and licensure. Both roles are essential in eye care but serve different functions within the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optician apprentice?

To thrive as an Optician Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of optics, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with lensometers, frame fitting tools, and point-of-sale systems is typically required, and some states may require registration or certification. Strong interpersonal skills, customer service orientation, and the ability to learn quickly are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are important to ensure accuracy in prescriptions, excellent customer experiences, and a smooth path toward licensure as a dispensing optician.

What can I expect from the training and mentorship during an optician apprenticeship?

As an optician apprentice, you will receive hands-on training under the supervision of licensed opticians and eye care professionals. You can expect to rotate through various tasks, including assisting with frame selection, lens measurement, and understanding optical equipment. Mentorship is a key part of the apprenticeship, with experienced opticians guiding you through both technical skills and customer service best practices. Regular feedback and assessments help track your progress, ensuring you gain the competencies required for certification and future advancement.

What is an optician apprenticeship?

An optician apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines paid, on-the-job learning with classroom instruction to prepare individuals to become licensed opticians. Apprentices work under the supervision of experienced opticians, learning how to fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses, interpret prescriptions, and provide customer service. The program typically lasts two to four years and may fulfill the licensing requirements in many states. Upon completion, apprentices are often eligible to take certification or licensure exams to become practicing opticians.

How fast can I become an optician apprenticeship?

Becoming an optician apprentice typically takes several months to a year, depending on the program and state requirements. Apprenticeship programs often combine on-the-job training with coursework, and candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent to start. The duration can vary based on the specific training provider and whether the apprentice is working full-time or part-time.
What are popular job titles related to Optician Apprenticeship jobs in Riverside, CA? For Optician Apprenticeship jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optician Apprenticeship jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Optician Apprenticeship jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Optician Apprenticeship jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Optician Apprenticeship job openings:

Licensed Optician

National Vision

Perris, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


National Vision rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 39 rated optical retailers


Job description

Company Description

America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States. With over 1,000 locations nationwide, we are focused on treating every eye with the attention and expertise it deserves. America's Best believes in great care, for every kind of eye - because every eye deserves better.

For more details about America's Best, visit AmericasBest.com.

Job Description

At America's Best, we combine value, expertise, and exceptional service to ensure every customer leaves seeing and feeling their best. As an Optician, you'll play a key role in delivering outstanding patient care while supporting store performance.

What You'll Do

  • Assist customers with eyeglass and contact lens dispensing, including contact lens insertion and removal training and product education.
  • Deliver exceptional customer service while meeting sales goals and company objectives.
  • Maintain accurate patient records and manage order follow-up, including customer notifications and weekly outreach.
  • Support quality and operational excellence by reducing remakes, following safety standards, and adhering to company policies.
  • Maintain inventory control, merchandising standards, and a clean, organized work environment.
  • Mentor Apprentice Opticians as permitted by law.
  •  

How would you like Sundays off? Yes, every Sunday we're closed!

Qualifications
  • Hold an active dispensing license as required by the state
  • 3+ years related experience or training (required)
  • Previous retail experience (preferred)
  • Strong customer service and clear communication abilities.
  • Confident selling skills with the ability to meet store goals.
  • Organized, detail-minded, and able to multitask in a busy setting.
  • Professional, friendly, and comfortable working with a variety of people.
Additional Information

We reward hard work with competitive pay, bonus opportunities, and a benefits package to support you and your family now and in the future.

Our Benefits Include:

  • Health & Dental Insurance
  • 401k retirement savings with company match and stock purchase plan
  • Flex Spending Account
  • Generous Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
  • Parental leave
  • Employee eyewear discount
  • Overtime pay when applicable
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • College scholarship program

Focus on Professional Growth and Career Fulfillment: 

  • Training programs available 
  • Access to educational courses 
  • Emphasis on internal promotions and career advancement

Join us today and see your future clearly! 

We are an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.


What National Vision employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


National Vision logo

About National Vision

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At National Vision we believe everyone deserves to see their best to live their best. We help people by making quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible. National Vision is one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States with over 1,300 stores in 44 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. We operate five retail brands: America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Eyeglass World, Vision Centers inside select Walmart stores and Vista Optical inside Fred Meyer stores and on select military bases. We employ over 14,000 people including a network of over 2,000 optometrists. We offer an innovative culture where training is a priority, hard work is praised, and career growth is a reality.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Duluth, GA, US

Year founded

1990