Job outlooks for Opticians

Discover the employment prospects for your dream job across Canada, or compare different occupations.

Occupation

optician (32100)

Location

All regions across Canada

Did you know? You can visit the Open Government Portal to search through and download our Employment Outlooks data all in one place. There, you will find current and previous versions of our 3-Year Employment Outlooks reports for the periods of 2013-2015 to 2025-2027. View the dataset on the Open Government Portal.

These outlooks were updated on December 10, 2025.

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  • Newfoundland and LabradorUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    Regional outlooks

  • Prince Edward IslandGood

    The employment outlook will be Good for opticians (NOC 32100) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about opticians in Prince Edward Island:

    • Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 66%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 34%
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 50% compared to 51% for all occupations
      • Women: 50% compared to 49% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 40% compared to 25% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: n/a
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

  • Nova ScotiaModerate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about opticians in Nova Scotia:

    • Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 74%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 26%
    • 63% of opticians work all year, while 37% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • 7% of opticians are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 36% compared to 51% for all occupations
      • Women: 64% compared to 49% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: 5% compared to 27% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 12% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 66% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 13% compared to 20% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

    Regional outlooks

    • Annapolis Valley Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Annapolis Valley region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Annapolis Valley region:

      • Approximately 20 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): more than 95%

    • Cape Breton Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Cape Breton region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Cape Breton region:

      • Approximately 30 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 70%
        • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 30%

    • Halifax Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Halifax region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Halifax region:

      • Approximately 140 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 73%
        • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 27%

    • North Shore Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the North Shore region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the North Shore region:

      • Approximately 60 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 71%
        • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 28%

    • Southern Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Southern region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Southern region:

      • Approximately 30 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): more than 95%

  • New BrunswickUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    Regional outlooks

  • QuebecLimited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for opticians (NOC 32100) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about opticians in Quebec:

    • Approximately 1,800 people work in this occupation.
    • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 56%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 37%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 83% compared to 82% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 17% compared to 18% for all occupations
    • 46% of opticians work all year, while 54% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • 8% of opticians are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 22% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 78% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
      • high school diploma or equivalent: 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 80% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 10% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Bas-Saint-Laurent Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region:

      • Approximately 40 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 65%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 35%

    • Capitale-Nationale Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Capitale-Nationale region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Capitale-Nationale region:

      • Approximately 230 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 53%
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 47%

    • Centre-du-Québec Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Centre-du-Québec region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Centre-du-Québec region:

      • Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 54%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 46%

    • Chaudière-Appalaches Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Chaudière - Appalaches region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Chaudière - Appalaches region:

      • Approximately 180 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 59%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 41%

    • Estrie Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Estrie region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Estrie region:

      • Approximately 90 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 73%
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 27%

    • Lanaudière Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Lanaudière region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Lanaudière region:

      • Approximately 90 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 74%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 26%

    • Laurentides Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Laurentides region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Laurentides region:

      • Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 53%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 47%

    • Laval Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the census metropolitan area of Montréal, including the Laval region, for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the census metropolitan area of Montréal, including the Laval region,:

      • Approximately 1,030 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

    • Montréal Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the census metropolitan area of Montréal for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the census metropolitan area of Montréal:

      • Approximately 1,030 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

    • Montérégie Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Montérégie region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Montérégie region:

      • Approximately 610 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 51%
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 46%

    • Outaouais Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Outaouais region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Outaouais region:

      • Approximately 130 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 61%
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 39%

  • OntarioGood

    The employment outlook will be Good for opticians (NOC 32100) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about opticians in Ontario:

    • Approximately 3,400 people work in this occupation.
    • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 77%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 14%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 84% compared to 81% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 16% compared to 19% for all occupations
    • 48% of opticians work all year, while 52% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • 18% of opticians are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 40% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 60% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
      • high school diploma or equivalent: 8% compared to 25% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 63% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 19% compared to 24% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 6% compared to 13% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Hamilton–Niagara Peninsula Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula region:

      • Approximately 370 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 85%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 13%

    • Kitchener–Waterloo–Barrie Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Kitchener - Waterloo - Barrie region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Kitchener - Waterloo - Barrie region:

      • Approximately 540 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 79%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 18%

    • London Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for opticians (NOC 32100) in the London region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the London region:

      • Approximately 140 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 72%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 16%
        • Miscellaneous manufacturing (NAICS 339): 12%

    • Ottawa Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Ottawa region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Ottawa region:

      • Approximately 330 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 83%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 14%

    • Toronto Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Toronto region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Toronto region:

      • Approximately 1,630 people work in this occupation.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 80%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 15%

    • Windsor-Sarnia Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Windsor - Sarnia region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Windsor - Sarnia region:

      • Approximately 130 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 85%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 15%

  • ManitobaModerate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about opticians in Manitoba:

    • Approximately 350 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 79%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 16%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 90% compared to 81% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 10% compared to 19% for all occupations
    • 54% of opticians work all year, while 46% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • 6% of opticians are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 15% compared to 53% for all occupations
      • Women: 85% compared to 47% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 31% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 18% compared to 12% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 52% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 14% compared to 20% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

    Regional outlooks

    • North Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • SaskatchewanGood

    The employment outlook will be Good for opticians (NOC 32100) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about opticians in Saskatchewan:

    • Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 72%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 23%
    • 61% of opticians work all year, while 39% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • 6% of opticians are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 11% compared to 53% for all occupations
      • Women: 89% compared to 47% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: 11% compared to 33% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 20% compared to 15% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 62% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 18% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

    Regional outlooks

    • Saskatoon–Biggar Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Saskatoon - Biggar region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Saskatoon - Biggar region:

      • Approximately 130 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 59%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 41%

  • AlbertaGood

    The employment outlook will be Good for opticians (NOC 32100) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about opticians in Alberta:

    • Approximately 1,600 people work in this occupation.
    • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 70%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 24%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 83% compared to 80% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 17% compared to 20% for all occupations
    • 51% of opticians work all year, while 49% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • 5% of opticians are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 20% compared to 53% for all occupations
      • Women: 80% compared to 47% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
      • high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 28% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 13% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 63% compared to 19% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 10% compared to 21% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Calgary Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Calgary region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Calgary region:

      • Approximately 570 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 59%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 39%

    • Edmonton Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Edmonton region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Edmonton region:

      • Approximately 500 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 80%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 19%

    • Lethbridge–Medicine Hat Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Lethbridge - Medicine Hat region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Lethbridge - Medicine Hat region:

      • Approximately 110 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 78%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 22%

  • British ColumbiaModerate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about opticians in British Columbia:

    • Approximately 1,600 people work in this occupation.
    • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 72%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 23%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 79% compared to 78% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 21% compared to 22% for all occupations
    • 51% of opticians work all year, while 49% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • 17% of opticians are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 33% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 68% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
      • high school diploma or equivalent: 9% compared to 28% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 13% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 54% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 16% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 6% compared to 12% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Cariboo Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Lower Mainland–Southwest Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region:

      • Approximately 930 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 71%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 28%

    • Nechako Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Thompson–Okanagan Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Thompson - Okanagan region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
      • High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Thompson - Okanagan region:

      • Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 55%
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 45%

    • Vancouver Island and Coast Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for opticians (NOC 32100) in the Vancouver Island and Coast region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about opticians in the Vancouver Island and Coast region:

      • Approximately 210 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 71%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 28%

  • Yukon TerritoryUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • Northwest TerritoriesUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • NunavutUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

Related links

Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) - Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Labour Market Information Survey
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