Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Colorado
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$45,900 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#24 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 Colorado
With a median salary of 45,900, Opticians in Colorado earn 1% below the national median of $46,560. Colorado ranks #24 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$45,900Hourly estimate
$22.071% below national median
Difference: -$660
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $45,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Wyoming | $37,870 | Specific course required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $38,850 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Kansas | $37,890 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $36,150 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Mexico | $36,910 | Varies by state board | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arizona | $46,520 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Utah | $39,760 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine
1560 Broadway Ste 1350, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038947800
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $94,670 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $80,900 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $69,580 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $47,770 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Colorado?
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 exams are required for Opticians in Colorado?
Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What education do you need to become a Optician in Colorado?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optician licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Optician salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Opticians in Colorado is 45,900. Salaries range from $37,440 (10th percentile) to $60,750 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Opticians in Colorado earn 1% below the national median of $46,560, with a state median of 45,900.
How many Opticians work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 1,510 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to Colorado from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Opticians in Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Professions & Occupations / Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine. Review agency details at https://dpo.colorado.gov/Accountancy.