Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NV Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in Nevada
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Nevada, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal al --$300; annualLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Nevada
Estimated timeline: 1-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Applicants must pass the Nevada state optical exam.
- 6
To qualify for the exam, applicants must:.
- 7
2) Hold current American Board of Opticianry (ABO) & National Contact Lens Exam (NCLE) certifications.
- 8
3a) Have completed an approved opthalmic education course and have 3 years of opthalmic dispensing experience as a licensed NV apprentice dispensing optician under the supervision of a licensed optician, ophthalmologist or optometrist
- or.
- 9
3b) Have graduated from an approved school with an associate of applied science degree in ophthalmic technology and had 1 year of ophthalmic dispensing experience as a licensed NV apprentice under the supervision of a licensed dispensing optician, ophthalmologist or optometrist.
- 10
4) Have completed at least 100 hours of training and experience in fitting and filling contact lens prescriptions (under direct supervision as listed above).
Exam and processing details
- state optical exam
Continuing education and program notes
- certifications
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Dispensing Opticians
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal al --$300; annual
- Salary Position
$47,600 median (2% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#20 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Nevada eligibility requirements for Optician licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required state optical exam.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Board of Dispensing Opticians and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al --$300; annual; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Nevada
With a median salary of $47,600, Opticians in Nevada earn 2% above the national median of $46,560. Nevada ranks #20 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,294Median annual salary
$47,600Hourly estimate
$22.882% above national median
Difference: +$1,040
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#20 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $47,600 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Oregon | $49,550 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Idaho | $39,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Utah | $39,760 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $46,520 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| California | $57,770 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1 month |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Idaho | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Utah | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| California | 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
Board of Dispensing Opticians
4790 Caughlin Pkwy #241, Reno, 89519-0907
Phone: 7756890132
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| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-3 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | 2-3 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $57,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Nevada?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Opticians in Nevada?
Nevada lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What education do you need to become a Optician in Nevada?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Optician licensure in Nevada.
What is the typical Optician salary in Nevada?
The median annual salary for Opticians in Nevada is $47,600. Salaries range from $39,160 (10th percentile) to $78,660 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in Nevada compare to the national average?
Opticians in Nevada earn 2% above the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $47,600.
How many Opticians work in Nevada?
Nevada employs approximately 1,440 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to Nevada 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 Nevada?
The licensing agency is Board of Dispensing Opticians. Review agency details at http://nvbdo.nv.gov/.
How often do you renew a Optician license in Nevada?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al --$300; annual.