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Verified by HI Board of Healthcare

Optician Licensing in Hawaii

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Optician in Hawaii

Estimated timeline: 2 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Experience and education requirements: Must be a high school graduate (or equivalent) AND have completed ONE of the following: 1) Minimum of 2 years full-time practical and mechanical optical work experience as an opticianry apprentice

    • OR 2) Graduation from an accredited opticianry course
    • OR 3) A current and valid license as a dispensing optician in another state or territory of the U.S.
  6. 6

    National Opticianry Competence Exam (NOCE).

  7. 7

    Contact Lens Registry Exam (CLRE).

  8. 8

    Between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023, pay $218 (application $20, license $28, compliance resolution fund $100, $70 fee for the second year of the two-year period).

Exam and processing details

  • National Opticianry Competence Exam (NOCE)

Continuing education and program notes

  • No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Dispensing Optician Program

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $56,090 median (20% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #9 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Hawaii eligibility requirements for Optician licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Opticianry Competence Exam (NOCE).
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023, pay $218 (application $20, license $28, compliance resolution fund $100, $70 fee for the second y...).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Dispensing Optician Program and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Hawaii

With a median salary of $56,090, Opticians in Hawaii earn 20% above the national median of $46,560. Hawaii ranks #9 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,316

Median annual salary

$56,090

Hourly estimate

$26.97
20% above national median

Difference: +$9,530

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$36,820
  • P2525th percentile$37,410
  • P50Median$56,090
  • P7575th percentile$74,220
  • P9090th percentile$77,500

State vs National Median

State: $56,090
National: $46,560

Total employment: 160 | Annual openings: N/A

Optician Salary Ranking

#9 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
Hawaii$56,090Degree requiredThird-party exam required2 years
California$57,770Varies by state boardState-approved exam1 month
Oregon$49,550Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Washington$48,320Degree requiredState exam required3-18 years
Alaska$56,260Varies 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
Hawaii54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Washington50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alaska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Dispensing Optician Program

P. O. Box 3469, [335 Merchant St., Rm. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813], Honolulu, HI, 96801

Phone: 8085863000

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Hawaii

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree required1-4 months
AnesthesiologistN/ADegree required3 years
Athletic Trainer$70,930Degree required18 years
Audiologist$92,120Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Opticians in Hawaii?

Hawaii lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.

What education do you need to become a Optician in Hawaii?

The board typically expects Degree required for Optician licensure in Hawaii.

What is the typical Optician salary in Hawaii?

The median annual salary for Opticians in Hawaii is $56,090. Salaries range from $36,820 (10th percentile) to $77,500 (90th percentile).

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

Opticians in Hawaii earn 20% above the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $56,090.

How many Opticians work in Hawaii?

Hawaii employs approximately 160 Opticians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Optician license to Hawaii from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Opticians in Hawaii?

The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Dispensing Optician Program. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/programs/dispensingoptician/.

How often do you renew a Optician license in Hawaii?

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