Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Nursing Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$44,010 median (5% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#29 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Optician licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Nursing Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $44,010, Opticians in Pennsylvania earn 5% below the national median of $46,560. Pennsylvania ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$44,010Hourly estimate
$21.165% below national median
Difference: -$2,550
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#29 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $44,010 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $60,100 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $66,250 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $40,400 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $47,710 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $38,480 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $48,080 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Nursing Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 8333672762
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $58,970 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What education do you need to become a Optician in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optician licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Optician salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Opticians in Pennsylvania is $44,010. Salaries range from $35,360 (10th percentile) to $59,360 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Opticians in Pennsylvania earn 5% below the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $44,010.
How many Opticians work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 2,750 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to Pennsylvania from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Opticians in Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Nursing Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Optician license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.