Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Illinois
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: No educational requirements
- Examination: No exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$41,230 median (11% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#33 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 Illinois
With a median salary of 41,230, Opticians in Illinois earn 11% below the national median of $46,560. Illinois ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$41,230Hourly estimate
$19.8211% below national median
Difference: -$5,330
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#33 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $41,230 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Wisconsin | $43,320 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $41,810 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $36,960 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $44,530 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $37,740 | No educational requirements | No 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $84,520 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $67,610 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $66,940 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $47,430 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Illinois?
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 Illinois?
Illinois lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What education do you need to become a Optician in Illinois?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Optician licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Optician salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Opticians in Illinois is 41,230. Salaries range from $36,200 (10th percentile) to $62,560 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Opticians in Illinois earn 11% below the national median of $46,560, with a state median of 41,230.
How many Opticians work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 3,660 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to Illinois 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 Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.