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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in New Mexico
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Varies by state board
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: 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 (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 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 6-24 months.
Median 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 | 6-24 months |
| Colorado | $45,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $36,150 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Texas | $36,400 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arizona | $46,520 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Utah | $39,760 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 Mexico | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Colorado | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 54 | 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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $77,440 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $80,950 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $46,530 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $38,840 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in New Mexico?
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 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/.