Lens Grinders and Polishers

Wages & Outlook

Wages

Some workers belong to unions. These workers tend to earn higher wages than non-union workers. Wages also vary by area of the country.

Lens grinders and polishers who work full time often receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:

• Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Employment

In Minnesota, about 1,183 lens grinders and polishers work in this small occupation.

Major employers:

• Eyeglass stores
• Medical equipment and supplies manufacturers
• Optometrists' offices
• Doctors' offices

Optical laboratories manufacture eyewear to sell at retail stores. Scientific instrument manufacturers make lenses for instruments such as telescopes or binoculars. Lens grinder and polisher positions are found throughout the nation. Optical manufacturers or laboratories tend to be located in larger cities.

Outlook

Middle age is usually the time when most people need to buy corrective lenses. The population of middle-aged and older individuals is expected to increase in the next decade. This should increase the need for lens grinders. Demand for these workers is also related to fashion trends, which influence how many pairs of glasses people buy. Currently, consumers are buying different glasses for different occasions, such as prescription sunglasses.

Despite the above factors, the number of jobs at manufacturing companies is expected to increase slowly. Many of these companies are purchasing machines that need little human control. In the retail trade, jobs are expected to decrease. Most of the growth for lens grinders will be at doctors' and ophthalmologists' offices.

Job openings will occur as current workers retire or leave the occupation. Since this occupation is small, the number of openings will also be small.

Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.