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Contact Lens Fitter, Contact Lens Practitioner, Dispensing Optician, Ophthalmic Dispenser, Optical Dispenser, Registered Optician, RCLP, Refracting Optician
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
Opticians supply eyeglasses, contact lenses, low-vision aids, and prosthetics to clients. To do this, they use written prescriptions or match existing optical products. Duties vary but, in general, opticians:
In Alberta, they may provide refractions (measures of required eyeglass lens power). If an optician intends to refract, they must apply to the College of Opticians of Alberta (COA) for refracting designation through a process established by the COA.
Some opticians become certified as contact lens practitioners. They may design, supply, and assess contact lenses:
Opticians may also:
Opticians are on their feet for much of their working day. Those working in retail stores may have to work some evenings and weekends. Some opticians may also work in mobile clinics.
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 operating optical measuring devices to measure clients' eye curvatures, pupillary distances and bridge widths; and in using equipment to cut and edge lenses, fit lenses into frames, and grind and polish lenses
Interest in compiling prescriptive information to produce eyeglasses or arrange for the production of eyeglasses, to arrange for grinding and polishing of lenses, and to adjust finished eyeglasses to fit clients; may supervise or manage the activities of students and other opticians
Interest in speaking to clients to advise them on the correct use and care of contact lenses
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.
Opticians 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 23 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 29, 2021 and Jul 04, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 11 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Assist clients in selecting eyeglasses | 11 |
| Tasks: Adjust finished eyeglasses to fit client | 11 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 9 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 9 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 9 |
| Construction Specialization: Dependability | 9 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 9 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 9 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 9 |
In Alberta, opticians must have a combination of internship (practicum) experience and technical courses.
For a list of schools and programs that are recognized by the National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) visit their website.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
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.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Opticians dispense eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids, and prosthetics from written prescriptions or by duplicating existing optical products. They also may provide sight tests to patients under the supervision of prescribing physicians or optometrists.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf], Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf], and Opticians Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the College of Opticians of Alberta (COA) is mandatory. Only registered members may provide restricted activities specified in the Regulations. This includes those who:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Optician.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Opticians work in:
They may be employees or independent owners of optical practices. Some opticians work in association with ophthalmologists, optometrists, or a group of optical practitioners.
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.
Opticians
2016 NOC: 3231
95.0% 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: 2024-2026 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.
This occupation generally has a high turnover rate and employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries vary depending on the company and the optician’s skills. Some receive commissions on the sale of optical devices.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 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.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.52 | $24.00 | $17.73 | $15.52 |
| Overall | $20.40 | $35.00 | $24.07 | $20.40 |
| Top | $30.00 | $40.57 | $35.77 | $35.00 |
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 | $42,411 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $40,991 |
College of Opticians of Alberta (COA) website: albertaopticians.ca
National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) website: nacor.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.
