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Verified 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 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Optician in Minnesota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).

  6. 6

    HID Practitioner Renewal Info.

  7. 7

    HID Exam Information.

  8. 8

    HID Certification Application.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Certification:

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Minnesota Department of Health • Division of Health Policy and Systems Compliance

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $49,020 median (5% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #15 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.; HID Certification Application.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Minnesota Department of Health~Division of Health Policy and Systems Compliance and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

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 Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,407

Median annual salary

$49,020

Hourly estimate

$23.57
5% above national median

Difference: +$2,460

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$38,980
  • P2525th percentile$44,310
  • P50Median$49,020
  • P7575th percentile$54,770
  • P9090th percentile$64,920

State vs National Median

State: $49,020
National: $46,560

Total employment: 1,630 | Annual openings: N/A

Optician Salary Ranking

#15 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
Minnesota$49,020No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Wisconsin$43,320Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Iowa$41,810Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
South Dakota$41,020Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$41,400No educational requirementsBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries 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
Minnesota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Wisconsin54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota50LowState-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

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

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FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, 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/.

How often do you renew a Optician license in Minnesota?

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