Careers · Production

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians cut, grind, and polish lenses for eyeglasses and contact lenses, then assemble them into frames or process other optical elements. They work in laboratories using precision equipment, following prescriptions and quality standards to create corrective lenses that meet exact specifications.

$39,460median pay, U.S., per year

$36,470–$47,010middle half earn

19Kemployed in the U.S.

High school diplomatypical education · 9% hold a bachelor’s or higher

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A day in the work

A typical week involves operating grinding and polishing machines to shape lenses according to prescription requirements. Technicians measure and center lenses, mount them into frames, inspect finished products for defects, and maintain equipment. Tasks are repetitive but require attention to detail and accuracy. Work is performed indoors at benches and machines in a laboratory setting.

Who this work suits

Realistic

90Conventional

52Investigative

31Social

15Artistic

12Enterprising

Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You tend to like this work if you prefer practical, hands-on tasks with clear procedures and measurable results. People who do well here are detail-oriented, follow instructions carefully, and take satisfaction in producing quality products rather than working with people or abstract concepts.

What it takes

Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.

Skills that matter most

Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisTime ManagementReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingMonitoringJudgment and Decision Making

Knowledge areas

Production and ProcessingMechanicalMathematics (knowledge)Customer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementEnglish Language

Pay by state

State	25th pct	Median	75th pct	Employed
Connecticut	$52,420	$62,410	$85,940	170
New Hampshire	$45,020	$59,460	$72,920	180
Washington	$46,210	$49,230	$52,810	260
Colorado	$47,080	$48,540	$57,920	320
Rhode Island	$47,060	$47,440	$51,800	70
New Jersey	$37,380	$47,420	$47,640	—
California	$40,300	$47,410	$70,410	1,630
Maryland	$39,260	$47,100	$56,500	360
Ohio	$38,990	$46,320	$47,280	560
Oregon	$41,170	$45,780	$50,480	250
Michigan	$39,780	$45,490	$49,380	330
Georgia	$38,100	$45,050	$46,880	960

All 40 states

Certifications people in this field hold

Technician in Precision Optics (TPO) — ETA International
Certified Eye Bank Technician (CEBT) — Eye Bank Association of America

Training

Local training programs Certifications Licenses in your state Apprenticeships

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Job titles in this occupation

Optical Lab Technician Optical Manufacturing Technician Optical Ncc Tier Ii Technician Optical Technician

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Dental Laboratory Technicians Medical Appliance Technicians Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Cutters and Trimmers, Hand

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against ophthalmic laboratory technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.

Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 51-9083.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.