Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MS Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in Mississippi
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Mississippi, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Mississippi
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Minimally, has an education equivalent to a four-year course in an accredited high school;
- 7
Has passed an examination approved by the Department
- and.
- 8
Has paid the required fee(s).
Exam and processing details
- passed an examination approved by the Department
- and
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
MS State Dept. of Health • Professional Licensure Division • Office of Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$35,530 median (24% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#49 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Mississippi 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: Third-party exam required passed an examination approved by the Department; and.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to MS State Dept. of Health~Professional Licensure Division~Office of Licensure and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Mississippi
With a median salary of $35,530, Opticians in Mississippi earn 24% below the national median of $46,560. Mississippi ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.5%Average Weekly Wage
$999Median annual salary
$35,530Hourly estimate
$17.0824% below national median
Difference: -$11,030
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#49 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $35,530 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $47,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Alabama | $35,570 | Varies by state board | State exam required | 19 years |
| Louisiana | $34,910 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $45,440 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 21 years |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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
MS State Dept. of Health • Professional Licensure Division • Office of Licensure
P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS, 39215-1700
Phone: 6013647360
Related Careers in Mississippi
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $52,260 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $61,150 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Mississippi?
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 Mississippi?
Mississippi lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What education do you need to become a Optician in Mississippi?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optician licensure in Mississippi.
What is the typical Optician salary in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for Opticians in Mississippi is $35,530. Salaries range from $26,140 (10th percentile) to $47,600 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?
Opticians in Mississippi earn 24% below the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $35,530.
How many Opticians work in Mississippi?
Mississippi employs approximately 560 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
The licensing agency is MS State Dept. of Health / Professional Licensure Division / Office of Licensure. Review agency details at https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/30,0,82.html.
How often do you renew a Optician license in Mississippi?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.