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Optician Licensing in North Dakota

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Optician in North Dakota

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: No educational requirements
  • Examination: No exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    ND State Board of Pharmacy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $41,400 median (11% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #32 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in North Dakota

With a median salary of 41,400, Opticians in North Dakota earn 11% below the national median of $46,560. North Dakota ranks #32 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$41,400

Hourly estimate

$19.90
11% below national median

Difference: -$5,160

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$36,760
  • P2525th percentile$37,760
  • P50Median$41,400
  • P7575th percentile$47,000
  • P9090th percentile$53,740

State vs National Median

State: $41,400
National: $46,560

Total employment: 300 | Annual openings: N/A

Optician Salary Ranking

#32 of 50 statesfor Optician median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New Jersey66,250
#2Connecticut64,780
#3Massachusetts63,810
#4New York60,100
#5California57,770

Nearby States Comparison

Optician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
North Dakota$41,400No educational requirementsNo exam required6-24 months
Minnesota$49,020No educational requirementsState exam required6-24 months
South Dakota$41,020Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Montana$44,600Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Montana56MediumState-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

ND State Board of Pharmacy

1838 E Interstate Ave Suite D, Bismarck, ND, 58503

Phone: 7018772404

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in North Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$91,440Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$81,780Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$61,790Degree required6-24 months
Dental Assistant$51,310No educational requirements6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Optician in North Dakota?

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 North Dakota?

North Dakota lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.

What education do you need to become a Optician in North Dakota?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Optician licensure in North Dakota.

What is the typical Optician salary in North Dakota?

The median annual salary for Opticians in North Dakota is 41,400. Salaries range from $36,760 (10th percentile) to $53,740 (90th percentile).

How does the Optician salary in North Dakota compare to the national average?

Opticians in North Dakota earn 11% below the national median of $46,560, with a state median of 41,400.

How many Opticians work in North Dakota?

North Dakota employs approximately 300 Opticians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Optician license to North Dakota 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 North Dakota?

The licensing agency is ND State Board of Pharmacy. Review agency details at http://www.nodakpharmacy.com/.