Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MO Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in Missouri
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Missouri, 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 Missouri
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
An applicant for licensure by examination should have degree or diploma in practical nursing from accredited practical nursing program, complete and submit an application, pay fee, and apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination.
Exam and processing details
- practical nursing from accredited practical nursing program, complete and submit an application, pay fee, and apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Board of Nursing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$36,960 median (21% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#44 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Missouri 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 practical nursing from accredited practical nursing program, complete and submit an application, pay fee, and apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; An applicant for licensure by examination should have degree or diploma in practical nursing from accredited practical nursing program, c...).
- 6. Submit the application to Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division Of Professional Registration~Missouri State Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Missouri
With a median salary of $36,960, Opticians in Missouri earn 21% below the national median of $46,560. Missouri ranks #44 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,232Median annual salary
$36,960Hourly estimate
$17.7721% below national median
Difference: -$9,600
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#44 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $36,960 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $41,810 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $41,230 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $44,530 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $47,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Arkansas | $45,440 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 21 years |
| Oklahoma | $36,150 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $37,890 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $38,850 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 54 | 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. |
| Illinois | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 56 | Medium | 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. |
| Arkansas | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Board of Nursing
3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 656, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-0656
Phone: 5737510681ext8007352966
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Missouri?
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 Missouri?
Missouri lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What education do you need to become a Optician in Missouri?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optician licensure in Missouri.
What is the typical Optician salary in Missouri?
The median annual salary for Opticians in Missouri is $36,960. Salaries range from $31,000 (10th percentile) to $51,950 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
Opticians in Missouri earn 21% below the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $36,960.
How many Opticians work in Missouri?
Missouri employs approximately 1,610 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to Missouri from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Opticians in Missouri?
The licensing agency is Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division Of Professional Registration / Missouri State Board of Nursing. Review agency details at http://pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp.
How often do you renew a Optician license in Missouri?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.