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Top Optician Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Essilor

Sales Associate Target Optical

Murrieta, CA

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

... top-tier service. Collaborate & Contribute: Work closely with your team and leadership to maintain ... Optical Experience: Prior experience in optical retail or familiarity with optical products Pay ...

EssilorLuxottica

Sales Associate Target Optical

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

... top-tier service. • Collaborate & Contribute: Work closely with your team and leadership to ... Optical Experience: Prior experience in optical retail or familiarity with optical products Pay ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Optics Fabricator 2

Irvine, CA · On-site

$17.31 - $32.12/hr

As an Optics Fabricator at MKS Instruments, you will partner with Production, Engineering, Planning ... At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Optics Fabricator 2

Irvine, CA

$32.12/hr

As an Optics Fabricator at MKS Instruments, you will partner with Production, Engineering, Planning ... At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Optics Fabricator 2

Irvine, CA

$17.31 - $32.12/hr

As an Optics Fabricator at MKS Instruments, you will partner with Production, Engineering, Planning ... At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Optics Fabricator 2

Irvine, CA · On-site

$17.31 - $32.12/hr

As an Optics Fabricator at MKS Instruments, you will partner with Production, Engineering, Planning ... At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the ...

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All JobsTop Optician JobsTop Optician Jobs in Riverside, CA

Top Optician information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$20

$27

How much do top optician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for top optician 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a top optician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Top Optician, you need expertise in vision assessment, lens fitting, optical product knowledge, and a relevant opticianry certification or license. Familiarity with lensometers, autorefractors, EHR systems, and insurance billing software is typically expected. Outstanding interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to educate and reassure patients make an optician stand out. These skills ensure accurate prescriptions, excellent customer service, and optimal patient outcomes in a competitive optical environment.

Are top opticians in high demand?

Top opticians are in high demand due to the growing need for vision care and eyewear services. The profession often requires certification and strong customer service skills, and employment opportunities are expected to grow steadily in the coming years.

What are some common challenges top opticians face when balancing customer service and precise technical work?

Top Opticians frequently navigate the challenge of providing excellent customer service while maintaining a high degree of technical accuracy in tasks like fitting lenses and adjusting frames. They must communicate complex optical information in an understandable way, ensuring customers feel confident in their eyewear choices. Additionally, opticians often collaborate with optometrists and ophthalmologists, requiring strong teamwork and adaptability within a clinical or retail environment. Balancing these responsibilities is essential for ensuring both customer satisfaction and visual health.

Where do top opticians make the most money?

Top opticians tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for eye care services, such as large metropolitan areas. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in specialized or high-end optical practices also contribute to increased earnings.

What is a top optician?

Top Opticians are highly skilled professionals who specialize in fitting and dispensing corrective eyewear, such as glasses and contact lenses, based on prescriptions from ophthalmologists or optometrists. They are recognized for their expertise in patient care, product knowledge, and the ability to recommend suitable eyewear options to meet individual needs. Top Opticians often have advanced certifications, extensive experience, and a reputation for providing excellent customer service. They play a crucial role in ensuring patients achieve optimal vision and comfort with their eyewear. Their responsibilities may also include repairing eyewear, adjusting frames, and educating patients about lens options.

What is the difference between Top Optician vs Optometrist?

AspectTop OpticianOptometrist
CredentialsCertified Optician or state licensingDoctor of Optometry (OD) degree, state licensure
Work EnvironmentOptical stores, eyewear retailers, clinicsEye clinics, private practices, healthcare facilities
Job FocusFitting and adjusting eyewear, customer serviceEye exams, diagnosing vision problems, prescribing glasses/contact lenses

While both Top Opticians and Optometrists work in eye care, Top Opticians primarily focus on eyewear fitting and customer service, whereas Optometrists diagnose and treat vision issues. They often collaborate but serve different roles within eye health and eyewear provision.

What are popular job titles related to Top Optician jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Top Optician jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Top Optician jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Top Optician jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Top Optician jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Top Optician job openings:

Top Optician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Top Optician job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,911 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Principal Optical Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:
The MKS Systems Business Unit develops and manufactures advanced optics, optical assemblies, subsystems, and full laser-based production systems that enable high-value solutions for our customers. As a Principal Optical Engineer in our Central Engineering organization in Irvine, CA, you will play a key role in designing and developing complex optical systems across a fast-paced, highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. In this role, you will drive projects from initial concept through detailed design, integration, and successful product implementation. The Principal Optical Engineer reports to the Director of Engineering, Laser and Optics.
You Will Make an Impact By:
  • Leading the design, development, and validation of optics and optical systems with full consideration of performance, tolerancing, and manufacturability
  • Translating customer and product requirements into robust optical architectures and specifications, balancing performance, cost, risk, and schedule
  • Performing optical modeling and trade studies that balance high precision performance with opto-mechanical constraints
  • Driving the hands-on realization of designs, including supplier engagement, prototype builds, precision alignment, metrology development, and performance verification
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams and providing technical leadership through design reviews, feasibility assessments, cost evaluations, and data-driven recommendations
  • Travel Requirements: Up to 10% of Travel is required

Skills You Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent discipline; advanced coursework preferred
  • 8+ years of experience functioning at a principal or senior technical level in optical design and optical system development
  • Demonstrated expertise in optical design and analysis, especially complex multi-element optics such as scan lenses, objective lenses, or high-performance imaging systems
  • Advanced proficiency with optical design software (e.g., Zemax, CODE V)
  • Strong practical experience in optical assembly, precision alignment, and integration of complex optical systems. Experience with lasers and laser measurements is highly desired
  • Strong communication skills and problem-solving skills to operate effectively in multi-disciplinary environment

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
  • Office and laboratory work is required, with regular work in a cleanroom environment. Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment as well as cleanroom garb is required
  • Must be able to lift, move, or position equipment up to 35 pounds while working in a laboratory environment
  • Noise level in the laboratory environment can temporarily be elevated, but does not typically require PPE

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: $175,000 - $195,000 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.
#LI-EK1
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

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