Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NM Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in New Mexico
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in New Mexico, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in New Mexico
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
License to provide fitting, adjusting and servicing of hearing devices.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department • Boards and Commissions Division • Boards and Commissions Division
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$36,910 median (21% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#45 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet New Mexico eligibility requirements for Optician licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department~Boards and Commissions Division~Boards and Commissions Division and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New Mexico
With a median salary of $36,910, Opticians in New Mexico earn 21% below the national median of $46,560. New Mexico ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,189Median annual salary
$36,910Hourly estimate
$17.7521% below national median
Difference: -$9,650
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#45 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 Mexico | $36,910 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $45,900 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $36,150 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $36,400 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $46,520 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $39,760 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | 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. |
| Oklahoma | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Utah | 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
New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department • Boards and Commissions Division • Boards and Commissions Division
2550 Cerrillos Road, Second Floor, P.O. Box 25101, Santa Fe, NM, 87505
Phone: 5054764640
Related Careers in New Mexico
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $83,220 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $318,450 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,300 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $77,440 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in New Mexico?
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 New Mexico?
New Mexico lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What is the typical Optician salary in New Mexico?
The median annual salary for Opticians in New Mexico is $36,910. Salaries range from $27,600 (10th percentile) to $49,330 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?
Opticians in New Mexico earn 21% below the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $36,910.
How many Opticians work in New Mexico?
New Mexico employs approximately 350 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to New Mexico 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 Mexico?
The licensing agency is New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department / Boards and Commissions Division / Boards and Commissions Division. Review agency details at https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/speech-language-pathology-audiology-and-hearing-aid-dispensing-practices/.
How often do you renew a Optician license in New Mexico?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.