Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MN Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in Minnesota
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Minnesota, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Minnesota
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite)
- Education: No educational requirements
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Minnesota Department of Health • Division of Health Policy and Systems Compliance
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,020 median (5% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#15 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 Minnesota
With a median salary of 49,020, Opticians in Minnesota earn 5% above the national median of $46,560. Minnesota ranks #15 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$49,020Hourly estimate
$23.575% above national median
Difference: +$2,460
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#15 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $49,020 | No educational requirements | State 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 |
| South Dakota | $41,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| North Dakota | $41,400 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 50 | 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. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| North Dakota | 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
Minnesota Department of Health • Division of Health Policy and Systems Compliance
121 East Seventh Place or PO Box 64975, St. Paul, MN, 55101
Phone: 6512015000
Related Careers in Minnesota
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $98,410 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $91,780 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $74,840 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $64,630 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota?
Minnesota lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What education do you need to become a Optician in Minnesota?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Optician licensure in Minnesota.
What is the typical Optician salary in Minnesota?
The median annual salary for Opticians in Minnesota is 49,020. Salaries range from $38,980 (10th percentile) to $64,920 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in Minnesota compare to the national average?
Opticians in Minnesota earn 5% above the national median of $46,560, with a state median of 49,020.
How many Opticians work in Minnesota?
Minnesota employs approximately 1,630 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
The licensing agency is Minnesota Department of Health / Division of Health Policy and Systems Compliance. Review agency details at http://www.health.state.mn.us/.