Optometry in Canada remains a financially rewarding profession. As the population continues to grow and age, the demand for eye care services is steadily increasing. This rise in demand has led to a competitive market for optometrists, driving up salaries and ensuring a stable income for those in the field.
In 2025, optometrists in Canada can expect to earn a substantial amount of salary. The average annual income is impressive, reflecting the value placed on their expertise and the essential services they provide. However, it’s important to note that individual earnings can vary based on several factors, including location, experience, specialisation, and the specific price setting. This blog will help you to understand deeper into the factors influencing optometrist salaries in Canada for 2025, providing insight into the average earnings, salary range, and potential variations.
How Much Does an Optometrist Earn in Canada?
The average annual salary for an optometrist in Canada is a substantial CAD 265,800, which translates to a monthly income of approximately CAD 22,150. However, this figure represents an average, and individual earnings can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, location, specialisation, and the specific optometric practice. The lowest annual salary for an optometrist in Canada is around CAD 137,100, or CAD 11,425 per month. On the higher end of the spectrum, the highest annual salary can reach CAD 407,800, offering a monthly income of CAD 33,983. It’s important to note that these figures are estimates and may not reflect the exact earnings of every optometrist in Canada.
Here is all you can check about the Average Salary in Canada & Top Job Opportunities in 2025
Optometrist Salary in Canada Based On Experience Level
Optometrist salaries in Canada increase significantly with experience. Entry-level professionals with 0 to 2 years of experience earn around CAD 153,800 per year. With 2 to 5 years of experience, the salary rises to approximately CAD 197,600. Those with 5 to 10 years can expect to earn about CAD 278,500 annually.
For optometrists with 10 to 15 years of experience, the average salary goes up to CAD 332,800. With 15 to 20 years of experience, it increases further to around CAD 364,700, and for those with over 20 years in the field, earnings can reach up to CAD 392,400 per year.
Optometrist salaries in Canada generally increase with experience. As professionals gain expertise and build a great career growth in their earning potential. Here’s a breakdown of how salary can vary based on experience level:
Experience Level | Average Salary Per Year |
0 – 2 Years | CAD 153,800 |
2 – 5 Years | CAD 197,600 |
5 – 10 Years | CAD 278,500 |
10 – 15 Years | CAD 332,800 |
15 – 20 Years | CAD 364,700 |
20+ Years | CAD 392,400 |
Here is a list to Explore The Highest Paid Part-Time Jobs in Canada
Optometrist Salary in Canada Based On Education Level
Education plays a major role in determining an optometrist’s salary in Canada. Those with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of CAD 49,800 per year. However, professionals with a master’s degree see a significant jump, earning around CAD 149,000 annually. This shows that higher education can greatly boost earning potential in the optometry field.
In Canada, the education level of an optometrist can significantly impact their salary. While most optometrists hold a Doctor of Optometry degree( OD), additional certifications or specialised training can boost earning potential. Here’s a breakdown of how salary can vary based on education level:
Education Level | Average Salary Per Year |
Bachelor’s Degree | CAD 49,800 |
Master’s Degree | CAD 149,000 |
Optometrist Salary in Canada Based On Organisation
optometrists in private practice are just under CAD 200,000. This represents approximately 30% above the national average salary for optometrists.
Optometrists employed by corporate chains such as IRIS report average annual salaries around CAD 160,641, which is about 5% higher than the national average.
The organisation where an optometrist works can significantly influence their salary; factors such as the size of the practice, its location, and the type of services offered can all impact earnings. Here’s a breakdown of how salaries can vary in different organisations:
Organisation | Average Salary Per Year |
FYI Doctors | CAD 78,000-CAD 81,000 |
Lenscrafters | CAD 65,000- CAD 70,000 |
Clearly | CAD 69,000- CAD 87,000 |
Peterborough Regional Health Centre | CAD 77,000 CAD 83,000 |
Bailey Nelson | CAD 48,000- CAD 54,000 |
ZEISS Group Optometrist | CAD 77,000- CAD 84,000 |
IRIS The Visual Group | CAD 85,000- CAD 90,000 |
IRIS Optometrists and Opticians | CAD 79,000- CAD 90,000 |
Martin Marietta Materials | CAD 87,000- CAD 98,000 |
Seema Eye Care Centre | CAD 116,000 CAD 125,00 |
Blink Eyewear | CAD 53,000- CAD 70,000 |
Old South Optometry | CAD 77,000- CAD 84,000 |
Optometrist Salary in Canada Based On Cities
As of 2025, the national average salary for optometrists is around CAD 153,634 per year. Cities like Ottawa and Ajax offer the highest salaries, with optometrists earning approximately CAD 516,407 and CAD 506,379, respectively, over 230% more than the national average. Other high-paying cities include Mississauga (CAD 417,653). Toronto (CAD 392,392), and Scarborough (CAD 386,444), where earnings are between 150% to 170% higher than average.
In Markham, optometrists earn around CAD 345,340, which is about 125% more than the national figure. Vancouver offers a more modest boost at CAD 193,386, about 26% above average. On the lower end, Calgary reports salaries slightly below the average at CAD 141,065, and Pickering trails further at CAD 109,548, which is roughly 29% less
Here’s a breakdown of how salaries can vary in different cities in Canada:
Cities | Average Salary Per Year |
Brampton | CAD 243,000 |
Calgary | CAD 263,900 |
Edmonton | CAD 258,700 |
Gatineau | CAD 232,500 |
Halifax | CAD 233,600 |
Hamilton | CAD 250,600 |
Kitchener | CAD 243,000 |
Markham | CAD 252,400 |
Mississauga | CAD 263,700 |
Montreal | CAD 286,700 |
Optometrist Salary in Canada Based On Position
Optometrist salaries in Canada vary significantly based on job titles and responsibilities. As of 2025, the average annual salary for an optometrist is approximately CAD 153,634.
In the table below, you can learn about the various highest-paying jobs in Canada similar to Optometrist professions:
Positions | Average Salary Per Year |
Surgeon | CAD 297,193 |
Family Physician | CAD 287,614 |
Pediatrician | CAD 270,971 |
Family Practice Physician | CAD 260,500 |
Physician | CAD 250,000 |
Medical Doctor | CAD 223,920 |
Here is a list of some of the best Part-Time Jobs in Toronto: How to Find, Best Jobs, Salary
FAQs
The Job Bank of the Government of Canada projects an increase in optometrist employment. The need for optometrists is fueled by an ageing population that is more vulnerable to health problems related to eyesight.
In order to register in any jurisdiction other than Quebec, optometrists and eye care professionals who received their training outside of North America (that is, who are not accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education, or ACOE) must pass an assessment provided by the Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada.
Qualified opticians looking to expand their careers are welcome to move to Canada thanks to the country’s welcoming immigration laws and thriving healthcare sector. One can take advantage of numerous advantages in Canada by gaining permanent residency (PR) status, such as a free healthcare system, free education for dependent children, and a high standard of living.
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