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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in South Dakota
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Register with licensing agency
- Education: Varies by state board
- Examination: State-approved exam
- Application Fee: See agency
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 baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
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 6-24 months.
Median 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 | 6-24 months |
| North Dakota | $41,400 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Minnesota | $49,020 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $41,810 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $38,850 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Wyoming | $37,870 | Specific course required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Montana | $44,600 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 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.
| 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 | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $102,310 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $79,200 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $57,540 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $47,680 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in South 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 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/.