Application Fee
$50.00Verified by GA Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in Georgia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Georgia, including $50.00 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Georgia
Estimated timeline: 18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 4
Satisfactorily complete one school year of not less than an 850-hour course of study in a recognized school of optical dispensing or has had practical training and experience of a grade and character satisfactory to the board for not less than two years under the supervision of a dispensing optician, a licensed physician, or a licensed optometrist, provided that any time spent in a recognized school shall be considered as part of the apprenticeship period.
- 5
Application: $50.00.
- 6
Renewal: $60.00 (biennial fee).
- 7
Examination:.
Exam and processing details
- Type
- Written and practical When: ABO and NCLE - May and November Georgia Practical - February and August Where: Macon Repeats: Unlimited
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $50.00 |
| Testing | $130.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians
- Current Filing Fee
$50.00
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$45,640 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#25 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Satisfactorily complete one school year of not less than an 850-hour course of study in a recognized school of optical dispensing or has...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required Type: Written and practical When: ABO and NCLE - May and November Georgia Practical - February and August Where: Macon Repeats: Unlimited.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Application: $50.00.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Application: $50.00; Testing: $130.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Georgia
With a median salary of $45,640, Opticians in Georgia earn 2% below the national median of $46,560. Georgia ranks #25 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,339Median annual salary
$45,640Hourly estimate
$21.942% below national median
Difference: -$920
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#25 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $45,640 | Degree required | State exam required | 18 years |
| Tennessee | $47,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| North Carolina | $49,570 | Varies by state board | No exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $46,830 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Florida | $56,920 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $35,570 | Varies by state board | State exam required | 19 years |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Florida | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: No new Licenses.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians
237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA, 31217-3858
Phone: 4782072440
Related Careers in Georgia
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|---|---|---|---|
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Georgia?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Opticians in Georgia?
Georgia lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What education do you need to become a Optician in Georgia?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optician licensure in Georgia.
What is the typical Optician salary in Georgia?
The median annual salary for Opticians in Georgia is $45,640. Salaries range from $35,010 (10th percentile) to $72,590 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in Georgia compare to the national average?
Opticians in Georgia earn 2% below the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $45,640.
How many Opticians work in Georgia?
Georgia employs approximately 2,580 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to Georgia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: No new Licenses. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Opticians in Georgia?
The licensing agency is Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians. Review agency details at https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing.
How often do you renew a Optician license in Georgia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.