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Optician Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in California, including $200 and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

$200

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Optician in California

Estimated timeline: 1 month

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  3. 3

    Application processing: $200.

  4. 4

    Initial Registration Fee: $300.

  5. 5

    Fingerprint processing: $49.

  6. 6

    Registration renewal: $300.

  7. 7

    Examination Frequency: Four times per year (February, May, August and November).

  8. 8

    Exam Locations: Contact the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) / National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) at (703) 719-5800 or (800) 296-1379.

Exam and processing details

Frequency
Four times per year (February, May, August and November) Locations: Contact the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) / National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) at (703) 719-5800 or (800) 296-1379. Experience
Fee TypeAmount
Application processing$200
Fingerprint processing$49

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Optometry

  2. Current Filing Fee

    $200

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $57,770 median (24% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #5 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Optician licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: Four times per year (February, May, August and November) Locations: Contact the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) / National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) at (703) 7....
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Application processing: $200.; Fingerprint processing: $49.).
  5. 5. Budget filing costs (Application processing: $200; Fingerprint processing: $49).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Board of Optometry and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $57,770, Opticians in California earn 24% above the national median of $46,560. California ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1 month.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$57,770

Hourly estimate

$27.77
24% above national median

Difference: +$11,210

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$41,590
  • P2525th percentile$46,690
  • P50Median$57,770
  • P7575th percentile$69,880
  • P9090th percentile$77,500

State vs National Median

State: $57,770
National: $46,560

Total employment: 8,180 | Annual openings: N/A

Optician Salary Ranking

#5 of 50 statesfor Optician median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New Jersey$66,250
#2Connecticut$64,780
#3Massachusetts$63,810
#4New York$60,100
#5California$57,770

Nearby States Comparison

Optician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$57,770Varies by state boardState-approved exam1 month
Oregon$49,550Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$47,600Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1-18 years
Arizona$46,520Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Optometry

2450 Del Paso Road, Suite 105, Sacramento, CA, 95834

Phone: 9165757170

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ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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AnesthesiologistN/AVaries by state board1-12 months
Athletic Trainer$74,150Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audiologist$123,600Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Optician in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1 month, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Optician salary in California?

The median annual salary for Opticians in California is $57,770. Salaries range from $41,590 (10th percentile) to $77,500 (90th percentile).

How does the Optician salary in California compare to the national average?

Opticians in California earn 24% above the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $57,770.

How many Opticians work in California?

California employs approximately 8,180 Opticians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Optician license to California 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 California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Board of Optometry. Review agency details at https://www.optometry.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Optician license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.