Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 3
OR Must have been engaged in ophthalmic dispensing for no less than five years immediately prior to making an application, of which no more than three years may consist of working in a qualified full-service optical laboratory
- or providing ophthalmic dispensing services under the direct supervision of an Arkansas licensed or registered dispensing optician, Arkansas-licensed optometrist, or Arkansas physician skilled in diseases of the eye.
- 4
5) Must successfully complete the written and practical examination prepared and conducted by the Board.
- 5
4) Must have a minimum of three years of dispensing experience in Arkansas under the direct supervision of an Arkansas-licensed optometrist or Arkansas-licensed physician skilled in disease of the eye.
- 6
OR Must have a minimum of three years of experience under the direct supervision of a licensed or registered dispensing optician holding a certificate of licensure or registry in the State of Arkansas, one year of which may be while working in a qualified full-service optical laboratory approved by the Board.
- 7
5) Must successfully complete the Board examination.
- 8
Written and practical examinations: $250.00, Retest fee: $125.00 per section.
Exam and processing details
- written and practical examination prepared and conducted by the Board
Continuing education and program notes
- certificate of licensure or registry in the State of Arkansas, one year of which may be while working in a qualified full-service optical laboratory approved by the Board
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$45,440 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#26 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Optician licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (4) Must have a minimum of three years of dispensing experience in Arkansas under the direct supervision of an Arkansas-licensed optometri...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: written and practical examination prepared and conducted by the Board.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (OR Must have been engaged in ophthalmic dispensing for no less than five years immediately prior to making an application, of which no mo...; OR Must have a minimum of three years of experience under the direct supervision of a licensed or registered dispensing optician holding...).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $45,440, Opticians in Arkansas earn 2% below the national median of $46,560. Arkansas ranks #26 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$45,440Hourly estimate
$21.852% below national median
Difference: -$1,120
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#26 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $45,440 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 21 years |
| Missouri | $36,960 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $47,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Mississippi | $35,530 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $34,910 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $36,400 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $36,150 | Specific course 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | 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. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 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
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians
P.O. Box 627, Helena, AR, 72342
Phone: 8705722847
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Optician salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Opticians in Arkansas is $45,440. Salaries range from $29,600 (10th percentile) to $69,770 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Opticians in Arkansas earn 2% below the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $45,440.
How many Opticians work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 660 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to Arkansas 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 Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians. Review agency details at https://www.abdo.arkansas.gov/.
How often do you renew a Optician license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.