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Contact Lens Technician, Eyeglass Technician
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Optical laboratory technicians work in optical labs where they:
Technicians may specialize in surfacing or finishing lenses. Surfacing includes:
Finishing involves:
Some optical laboratory technicians produced prescription contact lenses in specialized contact lens labs.
To learn about working directly with customers, see the Optician occupational profile.
Optical laboratory technicians work in labs. They may be on their feet for much of the day. Allergic reactions to the chemical agents used in an optical lab is a potential workplace hazard. Preparing lenses in a limited time can be stressful.
Optical laboratory technicians typically work a standard 40-hour week but may also work part-time or casually. Those working in quick-serve and retail settings may work some evenings and weekends.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to operate laboratory equipment; and in maintaining and repairing optical laboratory equipment or machinery
Interest in copying established procedures to assemble eyeglasses according to precise specifications; and in fitting lenses into frames
Interest in assisting clients by suggesting improvements and recommending minor repairs to eyeglasses
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Optical laboratory technicians need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 231 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 05, 2024 and Dec 21, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory | 148 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Perform general clerical duties | 119 |
| Tasks: Order supplies and equipment | 119 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 115 |
| Tasks: Prepare and maintain equipment and supplies | 114 |
| Tasks: Assist health care professionals | 114 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 111 |
| Attention to detail | 110 |
| Tasks: Maintain supplies | 102 |
| Tasks: Schedule and confirm appointments | 100 |
In Alberta, optical laboratory technicians are trained on the job in optical prescription labs. There are no standard education requirements. However, a high school diploma or a background in math and science is an asset. Some knowledge of the physics involved in optics is an asset. Many employers want to see that a job applicant has a keen mind and an interest in the field.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
In the industry, this is seen as an entry-level position.
Many optical laboratory technicians work for large, full-service labs where they perform specific tasks. Others work in smaller surfacing or edging labs. These may be linked with optical retail stores or optometrists’ practices.
Trainees may start work in the stock room of an optical lab. They may then progress to surfacing or finishing roles. After about 3 months at 1 task, trainees move to another task. After about 3 years, they develop enough skills to work unsupervised. This applies to both surfacing and finishing.
With time, technicians may become supervisors or move into related fields. For example, they may sell safety programs to industry. Or they may sell and repair optometric diagnostic tools. Some technicians study to become dispensing opticians (see the Optician occupational profile). There is a trend toward training for one position or the other.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Other assisting occupations in support of health services
2016 NOC: 3414
83.7% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Salaries for optical laboratory technicians vary a lot depending on the size of the lab. In the initial stages of training, hourly wages may be low.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $35.81 | $21.03 | $20.39 |
| Overall | $16.64 | $38.84 | $23.86 | $23.26 |
| Top | $18.00 | $47.67 | $26.87 | $25.95 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $39,005 |
|---|---|
| Retail Trade | $32,872 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $27,270 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $41,249 |
| Public Administration | $52,576 |
College of Opticians of Alberta (COA) website: albertaopticians.ca
Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) website: www.opticians.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
