Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MA Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in Massachusetts
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Massachusetts, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Massachusetts
Estimated timeline: 2-3 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Pursuant to 235 CMR 2.07 all applicants for licensure must have graduated from an accredited two-year educational program in opticianry or successfully complete one year of education in an accredited educational program in opticianry and successfully completed an apprenticeship of 3,000 hours/18 months or successfully complete an apprenticeship of 6,000 hours in no less than 3 years and have achieved a passing score on the American Board of Opticianry examination and the Massachusetts State practical examination.
Exam and processing details
- State practical examination
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Registration of Dispensing Opticians • Division of Professional Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$63,810 median (37% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#3 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Massachusetts eligibility requirements for Optician licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required State practical examination.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Board of Registration of Dispensing Opticians~Division of Professional Licensure and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Massachusetts
With a median salary of $63,810, Opticians in Massachusetts earn 37% above the national median of $46,560. Massachusetts ranks #3 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2-3 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,805Median annual salary
$63,810Hourly estimate
$30.6837% above national median
Difference: +$17,250
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $63,810 | Degree required | State exam required | 2-3 years |
| New Hampshire | $49,400 | Varies by state board | No exam required | 18 years |
| Vermont | $57,500 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $60,100 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $64,780 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 4 years |
| Rhode Island | $50,380 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Hampshire | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Rhode Island | 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
Official website verified
Board of Registration of Dispensing Opticians • Division of Professional Licensure
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA, 02114
Phone: 6177273074
Related Careers in Massachusetts
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $135,250 | Degree required | 1-18 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | 2 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $63,720 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $98,620 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Massachusetts?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2-3 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Opticians in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What education do you need to become a Optician in Massachusetts?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optician licensure in Massachusetts.
What is the typical Optician salary in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for Opticians in Massachusetts is $63,810. Salaries range from $44,890 (10th percentile) to $88,940 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
Opticians in Massachusetts earn 37% above the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $63,810.
How many Opticians work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts employs approximately 1,430 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The licensing agency is Board of Registration of Dispensing Opticians / Division of Professional Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/do/.
How often do you renew a Optician license in Massachusetts?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.