Optician
Fit eyeglasses and contact lenses so patients see clearly and comfortably.
- $47,260
- 1–2 years on the job
Healthcare career
Ophthalmic Lab Technician
Also called: Optical Lab Technician · Lens Technician · Optical Edger · Surfacing Technician
What ophthalmic lab technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an ophthalmic lab technician do?
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians make prescription eyeglass and contact lenses, cutting, grinding, coating and finishing lenses to exact specifications. The median pay is $39,460 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Several months, and employment is projected to grow +2.2% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$39,460$18.97/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+2.2%2025–35, slower than average
- Openings per year2,200Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainSeveral monthsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs18,600Employment, 2025
What ophthalmic lab technicians do
Optical lab technicians turn prescriptions into finished lenses. They read orders, select lens blanks, surface and polish lenses to the right power, apply coatings, edge lenses to fit frames and inspect the final glasses for accuracy.
Most have a high school diploma and learn on the job. Work is in optical labs and some retail stores.
Typical duties
- Read prescriptions and work orders
- Select lens blanks
- Surface and polish lenses
- Apply coatings
- Edge lenses to fit frames
- Inspect finished eyewear
- Maintain lab equipment
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work in optical labs and in-store labs.
Schedule: Most work full-time; large labs may run shifts.
A day in the life
- Start equipment and check orders.
- Surface progressive lenses.
- Load the coating machine.
- Edge lenses for frames.
See a full day in the life of an ophthalmic lab technician →
Ophthalmic Lab Technician salary
Half of ophthalmic lab technicians earned more than $39,460 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $33,530 for the lowest 10% to $57,380 for the top 10%.
Full ophthalmic lab technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an ophthalmic lab technician
- Get hired as a trainee
- Learn prescriptions
- Learn equipment
- Earn certification
- Advance
A high school diploma plus moderate on-the-job training is typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an ophthalmic lab technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Prescription reading
- Lens surfacing
- Edging
- Coating
- Lensometer use
People skills
- Precision
- Patience
- Focus
- Reliability
All ophthalmic lab technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Quick entry
- Hands-on precision work
- Steady demand for glasses
- Learn on the job
Cons
- Modest pay
- Repetitive work
- Standing
- Production quotas
Certifications and licenses
- ABO Certification: American Board of Opticianry.
- NAOLT certification: Optical lab credential.
- Equipment training: Manufacturer-specific.
- Safety training: Chemical and machine safety.
Career path
- Lab Trainee: Learn basics.
- Lab Technician: Make lenses.
- Lead Technician: Lead lab.
- Optician or Lab Manager: Advance.
Learn the job before day one
Our Ophthalmic Lab Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as verify a finished lens and edge a lens, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Optical Lab Tech vs. Optician · Optical Lab Tech vs. Ophthalmic Tech · Optical Lab Tech vs. Dental Lab Tech · Optical Lab Tech vs. Optometrist
Ophthalmic Lab Technician FAQ
Do optical lab techs need a degree?
No, training is on the job.
Is the work repetitive?
Often, but precise.
Can lab techs become opticians?
Yes, many advance.
How much does an ophthalmic lab technician make?
The median annual wage for ophthalmic lab technicians was $39,460 ($18.97 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $33,530 and the highest 10% earned more than $57,380.
How long does it take to become an ophthalmic lab technician?
Most people need about Several months of training. A high school diploma plus moderate on-the-job training is typical.
Do you need a degree to be an ophthalmic lab technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More ophthalmic lab technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-9083 (Ophthalmic laboratory technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Ophthalmic laboratory technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.