The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.
Employment
Major employers:
- Ophthalmologists' and optometrists' offices
- Optical shops
- Doctors' offices
Outlook
Demand for this career will grow about as fast as average. The increase in the aging population will contribute to demand. More emphasis is also being placed on regular eye exams for all age groups. Improvements in bifocal, extended-wear, and disposable contact lenses will also spur demand for opticians. However, more people are buying eyewear online, which is limiting some growth.
Job prospects will be best for people with an associate degree and certification.
Opticians (CIS 100143)
| Location | Employment | & | Growth | >>>> | Annual openings | |
| This occupation |
All occupations |
|||||
| Illinois |
3,064 Medium |
& |
4.9% |
8.2% |
>>>> |
252 Few |
| Champaign Area |
65 Small |
& |
4.6% |
5.2% |
>>>> |
5 Very few |
| Charleston-Effingham-Centralia Area |
44 Very small |
& |
0.0% |
2.9% |
>>>> |
4 Very few |
| Cook County |
1,207 Medium |
& |
13.3% |
9.2% |
>>>> |
113 Few |
| Decatur Area |
19 Very small |
& |
5.3% |
3.8% |
>>>> |
2 Very few |
| DeKalb-Elgin-Aurora Area |
146 Small |
& |
4.1% |
10.3% |
>>>> |
12 Very few |
| Du Page County |
381 Medium |
& |
-17.1% |
8.8% |
>>>> |
20 Very few |
| Edwardsville Area |
68 Small |
& |
27.9% |
12.4% |
>>>> |
8 Very few |
| Jacksonville-Carlinville-Litchfield Area |
22 Very small |
& |
-4.5% |
-0.2% |
>>>> |
2 Very few |
| Kankakee-Morris-Pontiac Area |
41 Very small |
& |
4.9% |
6.0% |
>>>> |
3 Very few |
| Lake County |
170 Small |
& |
4.1% |
11.7% |
>>>> |
14 Very few |
| McHenry County |
64 Small |
& |
12.5% |
7.6% |
>>>> |
6 Very few |
| Mt Vernon-Marion-Carbondale Area |
55 Small |
& |
-5.5% |
4.4% |
>>>> |
4 Very few |
| Northwest Illinois Area |
42 Very small |
& |
7.1% |
4.3% |
>>>> |
4 Very few |
| Peoria-Bloomington Area |
123 Small |
& |
-1.6% |
4.5% |
>>>> |
9 Very few |
| Quincy-Macomb-Galesburg Area |
33 Very small |
& |
-6.1% |
3.5% |
>>>> |
2 Very few |
| Rock Island-Moline Area |
38 Very small |
& |
0.0% |
5.6% |
>>>> |
3 Very few |
| Rockford Area |
80 Small |
& |
0.0% |
6.6% |
>>>> |
6 Very few |
| Shawnee National Forest Area |
52 Small |
& |
-3.8% |
1.1% |
>>>> |
4 Very few |
| Springfield Area |
73 Small |
& |
-1.4% |
4.6% |
>>>> |
5 Very few |
| St Louis-Belleville Area |
97 Small |
& |
-10.3% |
0.9% |
>>>> |
6 Very few |
| Vermilion County |
12 Very small |
& |
-8.3% |
-0.5% |
>>>> |
0 None |
| Will County |
224 Medium |
& |
14.7% |
14.9% |
>>>> |
21 Very few |
| United States |
73,300 Medium |
& |
2.6% |
2.8% |
>>>> |
6,400 Few |