Optical Laboratory Technician

Optical laboratory technicians operate laboratory equipment to grind, cut, polish and edge lenses for eyeglasses according to prescriptions received and fit lenses into frames. They also make minor repairs for customers such as replacing frame screws or straightening frames. They are also responsible for maintaining and repairing optical laboratory equipment or machinery. With experience they also work in surface marking of the eyeglasses to direct the curving and cutting, and measuring lens power. Some optical laboratory technicians work in specialized contact lens labs. They produce contact lenses according to prescription.

Average Hourly

$23.34

Range Hourly

$10.15 – $32.45

Average Yearly

$50,335

Range Yearly

$37,739 – $60,782

NOC Code

Optical lab technicians in- Other assisting occupations in support of health services (3414)

Alias Job Titles

Ophthalmic goods antireflection (AR) coating technician

Ophthalmic goods bench worker

Ophthalmic goods lens coating technician

Ophthalmic goods lens cutter

Ophthalmic goods lens tinter

Ophthalmic lab technician – retail

Ophthalmic laboratory technician – retail

Ophthalmic lens bench worker

Ophthalmic lens cutter

Ophthalmic lens edge grinder

Ophthalmic lens grinder

Ophthalmic lens grinder and polisher

Ophthalmic lens grinder-polisher setter

Ophthalmic lens inspector

Ophthalmic lens marker

Optical and ophthalmic goods lens picker

Optical goods inspector

Optical lab mechanic – retail

Optical laboratory assistant

Optical laboratory technician

Optical laboratory technician – retail

Optical lens grinder and polisher

Optical lens inspector

Optical mechanic

Optical technician

Qualifications Required

There are no standard education requirements. Usually optical laboratory technicians are trained on the job in optical prescription labs.

Learn more

Salary Range

Average hourly	Range hourly	Average yearly	Range yearly
$23.34	$10.15 - $32.45	$50,335	$37,739 - $60,782

Disclaimer: There were not enough data on the salary on this job. Based on several job advertisement the salary/wages of typical lab assistant has been given.

Job Demand

High

Employment outlook is mostly good across provinces. More information is available here.

Growth Opportunity

This is a very entry-level position. With time on the job, technicians may become supervisors in labs. Or they may move into related fields such as repairing optometric diagnostic tools. Some technicians study to become opticians. Learn more

Years' Experience Required

0-1 year

Training Options (if available)

Generally none. One possible training option might be found here.

Personal Qualities

Customer service, the ability to study and interpret customer issues, the ability to focus on details, diligence, a good sense of spatial relationships, good fine motor skills (to manipulate small objects and instruments), patience and perseverance, teamwork

iii. National Occupation Classification ESDC

iv. Neuvoo

v. Indeed