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Advanced Manufacturing

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician

Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.

Annual openings

81

Median wage

$48,540

Typical education

The position usually requires an Associate's Degree, though some employers substitute work experience (such as in the military) for that degree.

Growth 2026–2032

+4%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

The position usually requires an Associate's Degree, though some employers substitute work experience (such as in the military) for that degree.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

This can be an entry-level job, but previous work experience is usually expected.

Employer competency information

  • Feedback from employers identifies the following competencies as being critical to success: mechanical aptitude, attention to detail (including the ability to build something to specifications and tolerance), diagnosing and problem solving, basic computer skills, teamwork, a focus on safety, and accountability.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Shape lenses appropriately so that they can be inserted into frames.
  2. Clean finished lenses and eyeglasses, using cloths and solvents.
  3. Inspect lens blanks to detect flaws, verify smoothness of surface, and ensure thickness of coating on lenses.
  4. Mount, secure, and align finished lenses in frames or optical assemblies, using precision hand tools.
  5. Adjust lenses and frames to correct alignment.
  6. Assemble eyeglass frames and attach shields, nose pads, and temple pieces, using pliers, screwdrivers, and drills.
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