Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NE Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in Nebraska
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Nebraska, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Nebraska
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 3
Effective August 24, 2017, a licensed Nebraska Audiologist will no longer be required to obtain and maintain a Hearing Instrument Specialist license in order to dispense hearing instruments.
- 4
Every applicant for a license to practice audiology shall (a)(i) for applicants graduating prior to September 1, 2007, present proof of a master's degree, a doctoral degree, or the equivalent of a master's degree or doctoral degree in audiology from an academic program approved by the board, and (ii) for applicants graduating on or after September 1, 2007, present proof of a doctoral degree or its equivalent in audiology, (b) present proof of no less than thirty-six weeks of full-time professional experience or equivalent half-time professional experience in audiology, supervised in the area in which licensure is sought, and (c) successfully complete an examination approved by the board.
- 5
Presentation of official documentation of certification by a nationwide professional accrediting organization approved by the board shall be deemed equivalent to the requirements of this section.
- 6
Audiologist License- $140.00Certification to supervise an Audiology Assistant- $25.00.
- 7
Renewal.
- 8
The renewal fee is $140.00.Twenty hours of continuing education are required biennially to qualify for renewal.
Exam and processing details
- State-approved exam
Continuing education and program notes
- certification by a nationwide professional accrediting organization approved by the board shall be deemed equivalent to the requirements of this section
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services • Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Rehabilitation & Community Services • Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Rehabilitation & Community Services
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$38,850 median (17% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#39 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet Nebraska eligibility requirements for Optician licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Every applicant for a license to practice audiology shall (a)(i) for applicants graduating prior to September 1, 2007, present proof of a...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
- 5. Submit the application to Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services~Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Rehabilitation & Community Services~Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Rehabilitation & Community Services and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Nebraska
With a median salary of $38,850, Opticians in Nebraska earn 17% below the national median of $46,560. Nebraska ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,157Median annual salary
$38,850Hourly estimate
$18.6817% below national median
Difference: -$7,710
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#39 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | $38,850 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $41,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $41,810 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $36,960 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $37,890 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $45,900 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $37,870 | Specific course required | No exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kansas | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Colorado | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services • Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Rehabilitation & Community Services • Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Rehabilitation & Community Services
P.O. Box 94986, Lincoln, NE, 68509
Phone: 4022242299
Related Careers in Nebraska
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Varies by state board | 1-19 years |
| Anesthesiologist | $389,480 | Varies by state board | 1-10 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $57,430 | Varies by state board | 1-2 years |
| Audiologist | $85,820 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Nebraska?
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 is the typical Optician salary in Nebraska?
The median annual salary for Opticians in Nebraska is $38,850. Salaries range from $32,140 (10th percentile) to $48,130 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in Nebraska compare to the national average?
Opticians in Nebraska earn 17% below the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $38,850.
How many Opticians work in Nebraska?
Nebraska employs approximately 670 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to Nebraska from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Opticians in Nebraska?
The licensing agency is Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services / Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Rehabilitation & Community Services / Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Rehabilitation & Community Services. Review agency details at https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/pages/professions-and-occupations.aspx.
How often do you renew a Optician license in Nebraska?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.