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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 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Optician in Mississippi

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core 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

  1. Licensing Authority

    MS State Dept. of Health • Professional Licensure Division • Office of Licensure

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $35,530 median (24% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #49 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 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

$35,530

Hourly estimate

$17.08
24% below national median

Difference: -$11,030

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$26,140
  • P2525th percentile$30,060
  • P50Median$35,530
  • P7575th percentile$41,790
  • P9090th percentile$47,600

State vs National Median

State: $35,530
National: $46,560

Total employment: 560 | Annual openings: N/A

Optician Salary Ranking

#49 of 50 statesfor Optician median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New Jersey66,250
#2Connecticut64,780
#3Massachusetts63,810
#4New York60,100
#5California57,770

Nearby States Comparison

Optician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Mississippi$35,530Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Tennessee$47,850Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Alabama$35,570Varies by state boardState exam required6-24 months
Louisiana$34,910Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Arkansas$45,440Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alabama60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas78HighBoard-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

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$61,150Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$79,990Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$47,480No educational requirements6-24 months
Dental Assistant$37,130Degree required6-24 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.