NOC 2021 · 31111 · TEER 1
NOC 31111: Optometrists
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Optometrists examine eyes to assess and diagnose ocular diseases and disorders. They prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and recommend treatments such as exercises to correct vision problems or ocular disorders. They work in private practice, hospitals, clinics, community health centres, rehabilitation centres, the optical industry, government and universities.
TEER
TEER 1
Usually needs a university degree
Median wage (Canada)
$81,000 / year
Job Bank, 2021
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Not on the list
No high-wage CRS points
Express Entry categories
Healthcare and social services
Category-based draws (2026)
Express Entry
How NOC 31111 counts for Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of continuous skilled (TEER 0–3) work in the last 10 years and 67 points on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades: not eligibleNeeds 2 years of work in an eligible trade group in the last 5 years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
High-wage CRS points
NOC 31111 is not one of IRCC's 186 high-wage occupations, so Canadian work or a job offer in it earns no high-wage points. Your usual Canadian work-length points still count.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
- Healthcare and social services
At least 12 months of full-time work experience (or equal part-time) in the past 3 years in one listed occupation, plus Express Entry eligibility and the round instructions.
IRCC category listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Examine patients' eyes, conduct tests and use ophthalmoscopes, biomicroscopes and other specialized instruments to determine ocular health and visual efficiency
- Prescribe and provide treatment (excluding surgery) to maintain, improve and correct vision and manage other ocular diseases and disorders
- Prescribe, dispense and fit eyeglasses, contact lenses and other visual aids
- Educate, counsel and advise patients on contact lens use and care, ocular hygiene, surgical and non-surgical options, and preventive care and maintenance related to occupation and lifestyle
- Refer patients to ophthalmologists or other physicians and surgeons for treatment of ocular diseases or conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration and systemic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
- Collaborate with ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals to provide pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing eye surgeries such as laser vision correction
- May prescribe from a limited list of medications
- Conduct research and promote advancement in the visual sciences.
- Optometrists may specialize in fitting visual aids for people who are partially blind, fitting contact lenses or correcting special vision problems.
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example job titles
- doctor of optometry (OD)
- optometrist
Requirements
Employment requirements
- Three years of university undergraduate studies or, in Quebec, completion of a college program in sciences and a four- to five-year university program in optometry are required.
- Licensing by the provincial or territorial regulatory governing body is required.
This occupation may be regulated in some provinces. You may need a licence or certificate from the provincial regulator before you can work in it in Canada, even if you hold permanent residence.
Wages
Wages for NOC 31111 in Canada
Low, median and high wages per year in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data. This occupation is reported at an annual rate.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $32,867 | $81,000 | $162,000 | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| Nova Scotia | — | $85,000 | — | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| Quebec | $33,109 | $97,000 | $178,000 | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| Ontario | $37,561 | $78,000 | $156,000 | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| Manitoba | — | $119,000 | — | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| Saskatchewan | — | $68,500 | — | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| Alberta | $32,867 | $84,000 | $178,000 | 2021 Census, 2021 |
| British Columbia | $37,929 | $69,500 | $145,000 | 2021 Census, 2021 |
Provinces with too little data are not shown. Wages vary by city and employer; see Job Bank for regional figures.
Job outlook
Job outlook by province, 2025–2027
Job Bank rates the 3-year outlook as good or very good in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia.
Very goodQuebec
The employment outlook will be Very good for optometrists (NOC 31111) in Quebec 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 optometrists in Quebec:
Approximately 1,650 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Optometrists mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 80%
Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 20%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 73% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 27% compared to 18% for all occupations
23% of optometrists work all year, while 77% 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 41 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
93% of optometrists are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 27% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 73% compared to 48% 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: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: more than 95% compared to 11% for all occupations
Very goodOntario
The employment outlook will be Very good for optometrists (NOC 31111) in Ontario 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.
What Types of Employers Are Out There?
The majority of optometrists are self employed in a private or group practice
What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?
Demand for optometry services is influenced by population growth, insurance coverage, and the need for eye care and vision correction services
The aging population is expected to increase the demand for optometry services to treat and manage age-related ocular diseases and vision correction needs
What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?
The College of Optometrists of Ontario regulates the optometry profession. To practise optometry in Ontario, one must hold a certificate of registration (licence) issued by the College
What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?
In general, Bridging Programs are available to assist internationally trained professionals in various fields enter the labour market more quickly in Ontario.
Here are some key facts about optometrists in Ontario:
Approximately 3,700 people work in this occupation.
Optometrists mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): more than 95%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 78% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 22% compared to 19% for all occupations
33% of optometrists work all year, while 67% 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.
87% of optometrists are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 41% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 59% compared to 48% 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: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: more than 95% compared to 13% for all occupations
Very goodManitoba
The employment outlook will be Very good for optometrists (NOC 31111) in Manitoba 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 optometrists in Manitoba:
Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Optometrists mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 86%
Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 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
30% of optometrists work all year, while 70% 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 43 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
86% of optometrists are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 49% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 51% 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: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: more than 95% compared to 8% for all occupations
Very goodSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Very good for optometrists (NOC 31111) in Saskatchewan 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 optometrists in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Optometrists mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 86%
Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 14%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 83% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 17% compared to 19% for all occupations
39% of optometrists work all year, while 61% 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 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
83% of optometrists are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 49% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 51% 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: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: more than 95% compared to 7% for all occupations
Very goodAlberta
The employment outlook will be Very good for optometrists (NOC 31111) in Alberta 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.
Alberta’s population and its proportion of residents aged 65+ are predicted to increase over the next decade, contributing to demand for this occupation.
In 2025, Alberta increased total health spending to $28 billion, marking a 5.4% rise from the previous year.
Ongoing healthcare needs and retirements continue to support steady demand across the sector.
Here are some key facts about optometrists in Alberta:
Approximately 850 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Optometrists mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 92%
Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 8%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 77% compared to 80% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 23% compared to 20% for all occupations
39% of optometrists work all year, while 61% 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 44 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
78% of optometrists are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 50% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 50% 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: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: more than 95% compared to 9% for all occupations
Very goodBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Very good for optometrists (NOC 31111) in British Columbia 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 optometrists in British Columbia:
Approximately 850 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Optometrists mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 95%
Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 5%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 78% compared to 78% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 22% compared to 22% for all occupations
35% of optometrists work all year, while 65% 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.
87% of optometrists are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 52% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 48% compared to 48% 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: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: more than 95% compared to 12% for all occupations
UndeterminedNewfoundland and Labrador
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedPrince Edward Island
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNova Scotia
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNew Brunswick
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNorthwest Territories
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNunavut
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
Source: ESDC Job Bank, 3-year employment outlooks 2025–2027 (released December 2025).
Provinces
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. Most provinces run occupation-targeted draws or in-demand lists, and some accept TEER 4 and 5 occupations that Express Entry does not.
Provincial lists change often, sometimes between draws. We check whether NOC 31111 is being targeted by any province as part of a consultation.
Similar occupations
Related NOC codes
Classified elsewhere
If your duties fit one of these better, use that code instead.
- 32129 Other medical technologists and technicians
- 31101 Specialists in surgery
- 32100 Opticians
- 33109 Other assisting occupations in support of health services
- 33109 Other assisting occupations in support of health services
- 31303 Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
- 31209 Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
Same occupation group
Dentists, optometrists and audiologists
Questions
NOC 31111: common questions
What is the NOC code for optometrists?
What TEER category is NOC 31111?
Is NOC 31111 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 31111 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 31111 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 31111 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 3Health occupationsBroad Category
- 31Professional occupations in healthMajor Group
- 311Health treating and consultation services professionalsSub-major Group
- 3111Dentists, optometrists and audiologistsMinor Group
- 31111Optometrists
Enquiry
Is NOC 31111 your occupation? Ask us about your options.
Tell us your duties, experience and language scores. We will confirm your NOC code and the Canadian routes that fit.
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0, Job Bank wages (2025), Job Bank outlooks 2025–2027 and IRCC. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Checked 21 October 2026.
NOC 2026 is due from Statistics Canada in December 2026. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 codes, and this page will show any change once IRCC switches.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC.
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