Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Department of Revenue • Taxpayer Assistance
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,570 median (6% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#12 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).).
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to NC Department of Revenue~Taxpayer Assistance and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $49,570, Opticians in North Carolina earn 6% above the national median of $46,560. North Carolina ranks #12 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$49,570Hourly estimate
$23.836% above national median
Difference: +$3,010
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#12 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $49,570 | Varies by state board | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $54,320 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $47,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Georgia | $45,640 | Degree required | State exam required | 18 years |
| South Carolina | $46,830 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NC Department of Revenue • Taxpayer Assistance
3301 Terminal Drive, Suite 125, Raleigh, NC, 27604
Phone: 9197077500
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $73,100 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $397,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $52,980 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $79,460 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
North Carolina lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What is the typical Optician salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Opticians in North Carolina is $49,570. Salaries range from $35,600 (10th percentile) to $78,100 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Opticians in North Carolina earn 6% above the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $49,570.
How many Opticians work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 1,890 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to North Carolina from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Opticians in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Department of Revenue / Taxpayer Assistance. Review agency details at https://www.ncdor.gov/taxes-forms/privilege-license-tax.
How often do you renew a Optician license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.