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Optician Apprentice Jobs in Calgary, AB (NOW HIRING)

Pipefitter JM - Fort McMurray, AB - Turnaround

Calgary, AB · On-site

CA$53.56/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Camp available Hourly Rate: $53.56 Additional Information: 3rd and 4th Year Apprentices may be ... Optical/Vision Insurance * Massage Therapy * Short Term Disability * Long Term Disability

Optician Apprentice information

See Calgary, AB salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do optician apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for optician apprentice in Calgary, AB is $18.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optician apprentice?

An Optician Apprentice is a trainee who learns to assist licensed opticians in fitting and dispensing eyeglasses and contact lenses. They gain hands-on experience in measuring patients’ eyes, helping customers choose frames, and understanding lens prescriptions. Apprentices also learn about optical products, customer service, and industry regulations. This role typically involves on-the-job training and may require coursework or certification, depending on state requirements.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an optician apprentice?

To thrive as an Optician Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of optical concepts, attention to detail, and good manual dexterity, often complemented by a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with lensometers, pupilometers, and optical fitting tools is helpful, and some states may require enrollment in a formal apprenticeship program or registration. Strong customer service skills, reliability, and an eagerness to learn are key soft skills that set outstanding apprentices apart. These abilities are crucial because the role involves hands-on learning, frequent interaction with customers, and accurate handling of prescription eyewear.

What career advancement opportunities are available for optician apprentices?

Optician Apprentices typically begin by learning foundational skills under the supervision of licensed opticians, with responsibilities expanding as their knowledge grows. Upon completing the apprenticeship and meeting any required state certifications or licensing exams, apprentices can progress to become licensed opticians. With experience, licensed opticians may move into supervisory, management, or even store leadership roles, or choose to specialize in areas like contact lenses or optical technology. This career path offers a clear progression and opportunities for long-term professional growth in the eye care industry.

How fast can I become an optician apprentice?

Becoming an optician apprentice typically involves completing any required education or training programs, which can take several months to a year, depending on the state's licensing requirements. Once eligible, you can start as an apprentice immediately, gaining hands-on experience under supervision while working towards certification or licensure, which may take an additional 6 months to 2 years.

What does an optician apprentice do?

An optician apprentice assists licensed opticians by learning to fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses, taking measurements, and helping with patient care. They gain hands-on experience with optical equipment and may study for certification or licensing requirements during their training.

What job categories do people searching Optician Apprentice jobs in Calgary, AB look for?

The top searched job categories for Optician Apprentice jobs in Calgary, AB are:

Optician / Contact Lens Practitioner (Licensed)

Costco Wholesale

Okotoks, AB • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Costco rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,922 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

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Job Description 

Description of position: 
Assists members in selecting and ordering eyewear including frames, lenses, contact lenses and sunglasses. Measures member's cornea base curve and determines correct contact lens for member.  Uses computer to process orders, dispenses eyeglasses and contact lenses and oversees apprentices. Provides prompt, accurate and courteous member service.

Daily tasks and responsibilities:

  • Assists members to choose eyeglass frames, sunglasses, contact lens and ophthalmic lens options appropriate to the lens prescription. Provides and ensures prompt, accurate and courteous member service.
  • Assists in providing members with support in booking Dr appointments.
  • Accurately measures members for pupilary distance (PD) using pupilometer or ruler.
  • Is proficient in determining placement of multi-focal heights and bifocal heights.
  • Examines member's eye using a slit lamp to assess the general ocular health and assist in the fitting of contact lenses.
  • Keys member order into computer. Places special orders to outside vendors by telephone.
  • Rings up orders and over-the-counter optical merchandise. Receives accurate payment, makes change, processes cheques, credit and debit charges according to proper procedures for paperwork, cash handling and performance of duties.
  • Checks contact lenses and completed eyeglasses against prescription prior to dispensing to member. Fits and adjusts eyeglasses to member using frame warmer and bending with fingers.
  • Orders equipment, merchandise and supplies by keying into computer. Keys receipt of special orders from outside vendors.  Follows safety and security procedures.
  • Stocks optical merchandise and supplies. Follows department procedures and standards for production, record keeping, sales, eye health merchandising and product storage.
  • Maintains proper levels of Contact llens trials.
  • Maintains a safe and high level of health care cleanliness at all times.  
  • Cleans department displays and merchandise by spraying and wiping.
  • Oversees apprentices/students as required for certification qualification.
  • Maintains licensing requirements to ensure membership in provincial order is in good-standing.


Qualifications (Costco-specific or industry-specific skills that candidates must possess):

  • Education/Training: Relevant/applicable Provincial Ophthalmic Dispenser accreditation. 
  • Licenses/Certifications: Provincial License as Dispensing Optician; Certified Contact lens Fitter required.
  • Experience:  Licensed Optician/Contact lens Fitter experience preferred.
  • Knowledge/Skills: Computer, math and member service skills preferred.
  • Other:  Opticians who do not have certification/accreditation as a Contact Lens Fitter must enroll in the Contact Lens Fitter course within a year to maintain their position.  


Knowledge and talents recommended for job success:
NOTE:For postings in Quebec locations, candidates must be able to communicate in French (oral and written).

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About Costco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Costco is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. With more than 800 locations worldwide, Costco provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. Today, as the company evolves, it stays true to the qualities that helped attract and retain millions of loyal members around the globe: Commitment to quality. Costco warehouses carry about 4,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) compared to the 30,000 found at most supermarkets. By carefully choosing products based on quality, price, brand, and features, the company can offer the best value to members.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Issaquah, WA, US

Year founded

1983