Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Virginia
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Specific course required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation • Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$54,320 median (17% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#10 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 Virginia
With a median salary of 54,320, Opticians in Virginia earn 17% above the national median of $46,560. Virginia ranks #10 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$54,320Hourly estimate
$26.1217% above national median
Difference: +$7,760
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $54,320 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $47,710 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $38,480 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $44,530 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $47,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| North Carolina | $49,570 | Varies by state board | No 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | 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. |
| Kentucky | 56 | 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. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- 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
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation • Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485
Phone: 8043678590
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $85,590 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $94,140 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $60,720 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $46,910 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Virginia lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What education do you need to become a Optician in Virginia?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Optician licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Optician salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Opticians in Virginia is 54,320. Salaries range from $36,970 (10th percentile) to $75,200 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Opticians in Virginia earn 17% above the national median of $46,560, with a state median of 54,320.
How many Opticians work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 2,500 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to Virginia 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 Virginia?
The licensing agency is Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation / Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians. Review agency details at https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/HAS-Opticians/.