Application Fee
See agencyOptician 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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Mississippi
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: 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 (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 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 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$35,530Hourly estimate
$17.08Difference: -$11,030
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
| 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 | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $47,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $35,570 | Varies by state board | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Louisiana | $34,910 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $45,440 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $61,150 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $79,990 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $47,480 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $37,130 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Mississippi?
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 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.