Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AL Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in Alabama
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Alabama, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Alabama
Estimated timeline: 19 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 5
To become licensed, an applicant must be at least 19 years of age
- Be of good moral character
- Have an education equivalent to a four-year course in an accredited high school
- Is free of contagious or infectious disease
- Is a citizen of the United States or, if not a citizen of the United States, a person who is legally present in the United States with appropriate documentation from the federal government.
- 6
An applicant who meets the qualifications of subsection (a) as determined by the board who applies for license by examination shall appear at a time, place, and before such persons as the board may designate to be examined by means of written and practical tests in order to demonstrate that he or she is qualified to practice the fitting and sale of hearing instruments.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
State of Alabama Hearing Instrument Dealers Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$35,570 median (24% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (To become licensed, an applicant must be at least 19 years of age; Be of good moral character; Have an education equivalent to a four-yea...).
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to State of Alabama Hearing Instrument Dealers Board and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Alabama
With a median salary of $35,570, Opticians in Alabama earn 24% below the national median of $46,560. Alabama ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 19 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,201Median annual salary
$35,570Hourly estimate
$17.1024% below national median
Difference: -$10,990
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#48 of 50 statesfor Optician median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New Jersey | $66,250 |
| #2 | Connecticut | $64,780 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | $63,810 |
| #4 | New York | $60,100 |
| #5 | California | $57,770 |
Nearby States Comparison
Optician licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $35,570 | Varies by state board | State exam required | 19 years |
| Tennessee | $47,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Georgia | $45,640 | Degree required | State exam required | 18 years |
| Florida | $56,920 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $35,530 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Florida | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
State of Alabama Hearing Instrument Dealers Board
400 S. Union Street, Suite 235-B, Montgomery, AL, 36104
Phone: 3345933777
Related Careers in Alabama
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $323,940 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $53,640 | Degree required | 3 years |
| Audiologist | $76,900 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Alabama?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 19 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Opticians in Alabama?
Alabama lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What is the typical Optician salary in Alabama?
The median annual salary for Opticians in Alabama is $35,570. Salaries range from $29,690 (10th percentile) to $46,100 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in Alabama compare to the national average?
Opticians in Alabama earn 24% below the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $35,570.
How many Opticians work in Alabama?
Alabama employs approximately 920 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to Alabama from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Opticians in Alabama?
The licensing agency is State of Alabama Hearing Instrument Dealers Board. Review agency details at https://hblb.alabama.gov/.
How often do you renew a Optician license in Alabama?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.