Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NJ Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in New Jersey
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in New Jersey, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in New Jersey
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Specific course required
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Law and Public Safety • Division of Consumer Affairs • Board of Examiners of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$66,250 median (42% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#1 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 New Jersey
With a median salary of 66,250, Opticians in New Jersey earn 42% above the national median of $46,560. New Jersey ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,565Median annual salary
$66,250Hourly estimate
$31.8542% above national median
Difference: +$19,690
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $66,250 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| New York | $60,100 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Pennsylvania | $44,010 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Delaware | $40,400 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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
Department of Law and Public Safety • Division of Consumer Affairs • Board of Examiners of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians
PO Box 45011, Newark, NJ, 7101
Phone: 9735046435
Related Careers in New Jersey
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $103,510 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $101,460 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $65,270 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $48,070 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in New Jersey?
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 New Jersey?
New Jersey lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What education do you need to become a Optician in New Jersey?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Optician licensure in New Jersey.
What is the typical Optician salary in New Jersey?
The median annual salary for Opticians in New Jersey is 66,250. Salaries range from $43,980 (10th percentile) to $82,160 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in New Jersey compare to the national average?
Opticians in New Jersey earn 42% above the national median of $46,560, with a state median of 66,250.
How many Opticians work in New Jersey?
New Jersey employs approximately 2,260 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
The licensing agency is Department of Law and Public Safety / Division of Consumer Affairs / Board of Examiners of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians. Review agency details at https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/oph/Pages/default.aspx.