An optician’s salary in Canada ranges from around $37,000 per annum at entry-level to approximately $65,000 in 2023. Mid-range salaries are in the region of $55,000 per annum.
What Is An Optician’s Salary In Canada By Province?
The best government statistics for comparing wages by province are presented as hourly pay rates. This applies to all occupations, including those where pay is based on an annual salary.
Low and high wage rates are provided along with the average median wage; the median is the middle point of the data range when all wages are listed in numerical order.
| Optician's Hourly Wages By Province (NOC 32100) | |||
| Province | Low ($ Hr) | Median ($ Hr) | High ($ Hr) |
| Canada | 18.00 | 25.64 | 32.00 |
| Alberta | 24.00 | 30.00 | 32.00 |
| British Columbia | 18.00 | 24.00 | 31.25 |
| Manitoba | 18.00 | 25.00 | 32.00 |
| New Brunswick | 17.00 | 26.15 | 40.00 |
| Newfoundland | 17.00 | 26.15 | 40.00 |
| Northwest Territories | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Nova Scotia | 20.00 | 26.60 | 40.00 |
| Nunavut | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ontario | 18.00 | 26.00 | 34.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | 22.00 | 24.04 | 38.46 |
| Quebec | 17.00 | 25.00 | 28.55 |
| Saskatchewan | 16.00 | 24.00 | 31.87 |
| Yukon Territory | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| This information has been compiled from several sources, including data from Statistics Canada and the Labour Force Survey. As of May 2023 this is the most recent published data, gathered from prior years surveys. | |||
Which Province Has The Highest Optician’s Salary In Canada 2023?
The highest mid-range optician’s salary in Canada is found in Alberta, where salaries are around 15% above the national average. Salaries in the big cities are very similar, although opticians’ salaries in Calgary are marginally higher than in Edmonton.
Salaries in Alberta are typically higher than in other provinces in Canada. This applies across all job sectors, but the most significant differences are seen in occupations related to the oil and gas industry.
At the other end of the scale, the lowest optician’s salary in Canada is found in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, where mid-range salaries are around 6% lower than national averages.
Are Opticians In Demand In Canada?
The three-year prospects for opticians range from “moderate” to “very good,” with the best prospects being in Quebec. In recent years, the job market has been quite balanced, and this seems set to continue.
Government projections (carried out by EDC) for the years 2022 to 2031 showed projected job openings for opticians as 5,500, compared to 5,300 new job seekers who will fill these posts.
Job openings for most health-related occupations are expected to rise as a result of Canada’s aging population. This increase in demand will apply to opticians as vision difficulties become more prevalent in old age.
This increase will be offset by the availability of non-prescription glasses and contact lenses, including from online suppliers.
An optician’s salary in Canada in 2023 is expected to be around 4% higher than an optician’s salary in Canada in 2022.
What Is An NOC Code In Canada?
National Occupational Classification Codes (or NOC Codes) are numbers used to categorize jobs in Canada. All occupations are numbered based on the training, education, experience and responsibilities required to perform the job. In 2022 a new system of numbers was introduced whereby the previous 4-digit NOC codes were replaced with new 5-digit codes.
What Is The NOC Code For An Optician In Canada?
The current optician NOC code is 32100 (note that under the old system, the NOC code was 3231). This NOC code covers all jobs with the following names:
- Contact lens fitter
- Contact lens practitioner
- Dispensing optician
- Licensed optician
- Optician
Note that this NOC code does not include ophthalmologists (covered by NOC code 31101) or optometrists (NOC code 31111)
Can Immigrant Opticians Work In Canada?
Opticianry is a regulated profession in Canada. Immigrants can apply for their overseas qualifications to be assessed for equivalency with Canadian standards. Regulation and certification take place at the provincial level, so you must apply to whichever province you intend to practice in.
You will need to apply through a process called PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition). The application should be made at the provincial level, and each province will handle the process a little differently. Generally, you can expect to:
- Submit your application along with details of qualifications and experience.
- Attend an interview
- Complete some form of theoretical and/or practical testing.
On completion, you will either be advised of bridging courses that you need to take to fill gaps in your knowledge or directed to take your registration exam.
You can contact the relevant provincial association for more detailed information regarding particular provinces.
The good news is that the NOC code for this job sector appears on the Government of Canada’s list of target occupations for immigration. This means that you could be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, which provides express entry to Canada.
What Is An Optician’s Salary In Ontario?
An optician’s salary in Ontario ranges from $37,800 to $71,400 annually. The mid-range salary is $54,600, which is slightly higher than the national average.
Opticians’ salaries in Ontario are very consistent across the province. This includes Toronto, where opticians’ salaries are generally in line with provincial averages.
What Is An Optician’s Starting Salary In Ontario?
The starting salary for an optician in Ontario is $37,800, which is in line with average starting salaries across Canada.
What Is An Optician’s Salary In Toronto?
A mid-range optician’s salary in Toronto is $54,600, which is typical in Ontario. However, it’s important to note that Toronto has a high cost of living, with some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. Therefore, while the salary might seem attractive, you might find that living outside of Toronto could offer a higher standard of living.
What Is An Optician’s Salary In Ottawa?
A mid-range optician’s salary in Ottawa is $54,600. However, compared to Toronto, property costs in Ottawa are generally lower. This means that your salary might go further in Ottawa than in Toronto, allowing for a potentially higher standard of living.
Are Opticians In Demand In Ontario?
Yes, the employment outlook for opticians in Ontario is expected to be good for the period of 2022-2024. The job market for opticians is expected to be stable for the foreseeable future, with steady growth due to a growing and aging population.
What Is An Optician’s Salary In Alberta?
An optician’s salary in Alberta ranges from $50,400 to $67,200. The mid-range salary in Alberta is $63,000. This is significantly higher than national averages, which stand at around $53,800.
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What Is An Optician’s Starting Salary In Alberta?
The starting salary for an optician in Alberta is $50,400. Again this salary is significantly higher than national averages, around 30% more.
What Is An Optician’s Salary In Calgary?
A mid-range optician’s salary in Calgary is $63,000, which is around 17% higher than national averages. Calgary also has a lower cost of living compared to most other major cities in Canada, which means your salary could go further and you might enjoy a higher standard of living here.
What Is An Optician’s Salary In Edmonton?
An optician’s salary in Edmonton is around $61,866 at the mid-range. Edmonton has a lower cost of living, especially when it comes to property prices. This means that your salary might stretch further in Edmonton compared to other major cities.
Are Opticians In Demand In Alberta?
Yes, opticians are in demand in Alberta, and job prospects are rated “good,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. The job market for opticians is expected to be stable for the foreseeable future, with steady growth due to a growing and aging population.
What Is An Optician’s Salary In BC?
An optician’s salary in BC ranges from $37,800 to $65,625. The mid-range salary is $50,400, which is slightly below national averages.
What Is An Optician’s Starting Salary In BC?
The starting salary for an optician in BC is $37,800, which is in line with average starting salaries across Canada.
What Is An Optician’s Salary In Vancouver?
A mid-range optician’s salary in Vancouver is $50,400. However, it’s important to note that Vancouver has a high cost of living, with some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. Therefore, while the salary might seem attractive, you might find that living outside of Vancouver could offer a higher standard of living.
What Is An Optician’s Salary In Victoria?
An optician’s salary in Victoria is around $49,392, a little lower than in Vancouver. However, compared to Vancouver, property costs in Victoria are generally lower. This means that your salary might go further in Victoria than in Vancouver, allowing for a potentially higher standard of living.
Are Opticians In Demand In BC?
Yes, opticians are in demand in BC, and the job prospects in BC are rated “moderate,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. The job market for opticians is pretty balanced and expected to be stable for the foreseeable future.
Where To Find More Information About Optician Jobs In Canada
If you would like more specific information for a particular job or location, the online “Job Bank” is a great resource.
The “Trends Analysis” section allows you to search for a job type in any location. It will then provide information including:
- Average wages levels
- Marketplace trends
- Qualification requirements
- Geographic comparisons
- Currently available jobs
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