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 more slowly than 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 |
3,181 Medium |
& |
0.9% |
2.7% |
>>>> |
268 Few |
| Champaign Area |
72 Small |
& |
-1.4% |
1.9% |
>>>> |
6 Very few |
| Charleston-Effingham-Centralia Area |
45 Very small |
& |
-8.9% |
-1.2% |
>>>> |
4 Very few |
| Cook County |
1,243 Medium |
& |
-2.7% |
3.0% |
>>>> |
99 Few |
| Decatur Area |
24 Very small |
& |
4.2% |
0.1% |
>>>> |
2 Very few |
| DeKalb-Elgin-Aurora Area |
159 Small |
& |
3.8% |
4.0% |
>>>> |
15 Very few |
| Du Page County |
393 Medium |
& |
7.6% |
3.7% |
>>>> |
37 Very few |
| Edwardsville Area |
88 Small |
& |
-3.4% |
4.4% |
>>>> |
8 Very few |
| Jacksonville-Carlinville-Litchfield Area |
20 Very small |
& |
-5.0% |
-2.2% |
>>>> |
2 Very few |
| Kankakee-Morris-Pontiac Area |
51 Small |
& |
-2.0% |
-0.1% |
>>>> |
4 Very few |
| Lake County |
168 Small |
& |
-7.1% |
2.6% |
>>>> |
13 Very few |
| McHenry County |
61 Small |
& |
0.0% |
6.1% |
>>>> |
4 Very few |
| Mt Vernon-Marion-Carbondale Area |
53 Very small |
& |
1.9% |
0.2% |
>>>> |
4 Very few |
| Northwest Illinois Area |
45 Very small |
& |
2.2% |
5.1% |
>>>> |
4 Very few |
| Peoria-Bloomington Area |
116 Small |
& |
7.8% |
1.3% |
>>>> |
11 Very few |
| Quincy-Macomb-Galesburg Area |
33 Very small |
& |
6.1% |
-1.6% |
>>>> |
2 Very few |
| Rock Island-Moline Area |
37 Very small |
& |
0.0% |
1.8% |
>>>> |
4 Very few |
| Rockford Area |
89 Small |
& |
-4.5% |
2.4% |
>>>> |
8 Very few |
| Shawnee National Forest Area |
56 Small |
& |
0.0% |
-0.3% |
>>>> |
4 Very few |
| Springfield Area |
86 Small |
& |
-4.7% |
-0.8% |
>>>> |
8 Very few |
| St Louis-Belleville Area |
81 Small |
& |
4.9% |
0.2% |
>>>> |
6 Very few |
| Vermilion County |
12 Very small |
& |
0.0% |
-5.1% |
>>>> |
0 None |
| Will County |
237 Medium |
& |
15.6% |
5.4% |
>>>> |
26 Very few |
| United States |
79,900 Medium |
& |
2.9% |
3.1% |
>>>> |
6,800 Few |