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Optician Licensing in New York

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in New York, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Optician in New York

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • certified to fit contact lenses

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NYS Education Department • State Board for Ophthalmic Dispensing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $60,100 median (29% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet New York eligibility requirements for Optician licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to NYS Education Department~State Board for Ophthalmic Dispensing and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in New York

With a median salary of $60,100, Opticians in New York earn 29% above the national median of $46,560. New York ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,739

Median annual salary

$60,100

Hourly estimate

$28.89
29% above national median

Difference: +$13,540

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$47,490
  • P2525th percentile$58,240
  • P50Median$60,100
  • P7575th percentile$66,190
  • P9090th percentile$75,970

State vs National Median

State: $60,100
National: $46,560

Total employment: 5,180 | Annual openings: N/A

Optician Salary Ranking

#4 of 50 statesfor Optician median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New Jersey$66,250
#2Connecticut$64,780
#3Massachusetts$63,810
#4New York$60,100
#5California$57,770

Nearby States Comparison

Optician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
New York$60,100Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Vermont$57,500Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Massachusetts$63,810Degree requiredState exam required2-3 years
Connecticut$64,780Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required4 years
New Jersey$66,250Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$44,010Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
New York50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Vermont50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New Jersey50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania54LowState-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

Official website verified

NYS Education Department • State Board for Ophthalmic Dispensing

89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12234

Phone: 5184743817ext180

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Optician in New York?

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 York?

New York lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.

What education do you need to become a Optician in New York?

The board typically expects Degree required for Optician licensure in New York.

What is the typical Optician salary in New York?

The median annual salary for Opticians in New York is $60,100. Salaries range from $47,490 (10th percentile) to $75,970 (90th percentile).

How does the Optician salary in New York compare to the national average?

Opticians in New York earn 29% above the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $60,100.

How many Opticians work in New York?

New York employs approximately 5,180 Opticians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Optician license to New York 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 York?

The licensing agency is NYS Education Department / State Board for Ophthalmic Dispensing. Review agency details at http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/.

How often do you renew a Optician license in New York?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.