How to become an Optical Mechanic

Operates machines to grind, polish and surface optical lenses to meet prescription requirements, and fits lenses to spectacle frames.

Main tasks

• Operates machines to shape and smooth optical lenses
• Inspects lenses to ensure they meet prescription requirements
• Selects and assembles optical elements for instruments or spectacles, and fits them into position
• Scrapes, files and laps mounts of instrument to align optical elements
• Centres, focuses, adjusts and calibrates instrument on standard targets
• Anchors lenses and other optical elements with adhesives or retaining rings

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $105,872 a year
• About 24,900 people work in this job group now, and about 28,300 are projected by 2035. (+13.9%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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Questions people ask

How much does an Optical Mechanic earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $105,872 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Optical Mechanic a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2035, from about 24,900 to about 28,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Optical Mechanic?

Usually not. Only 15% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Optical Mechanic?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04