Application Fee
See agencyVerified by SD Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in South Dakota
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in South Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in South Dakota
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- State-approved exam
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
South Dakota Board of Hearing Aid Dispensers & Audiologists
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$41,020 median (12% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#34 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Optician licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
- 4. Submit the application to South Dakota Board of Hearing Aid Dispensers & Audiologists and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in South Dakota
With a median salary of $41,020, Opticians in South Dakota earn 12% below the national median of $46,560. South Dakota ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+3.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,123Median annual salary
$41,020Hourly estimate
$19.7212% below national median
Difference: -$5,540
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#34 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $41,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| North Dakota | $41,400 | No educational requirements | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $49,020 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $41,810 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $38,850 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $37,870 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Montana | $44,600 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| North Dakota | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wyoming | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
South Dakota Board of Hearing Aid Dispensers & Audiologists
810 N Main St Ste 298, Spearfish, SD, 57783
Phone: 6056421600
Related Careers in South Dakota
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $54,200 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $102,310 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in South Dakota?
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 is the typical Optician salary in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Opticians in South Dakota is $41,020. Salaries range from $35,990 (10th percentile) to $49,670 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?
Opticians in South Dakota earn 12% below the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $41,020.
How many Opticians work in South Dakota?
South Dakota employs approximately 420 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
The licensing agency is South Dakota Board of Hearing Aid Dispensers & Audiologists. Review agency details at http://doh.sd.gov/boards/audiology/.
How often do you renew a Optician license in South Dakota?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.