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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Register with licensing agency
- Education: Varies by state board
- Examination: State-approved exam
- Application Fee: See agency
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 (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
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 6-24 months.
Median 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 | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $36,960 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $47,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Mississippi | $35,530 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Louisiana | $34,910 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Texas | $36,400 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $36,150 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
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
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians
P.O. Box 627, Helena, AR, 72342
Phone: 8705722847
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $99,330 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $77,780 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $50,480 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $37,680 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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/.