Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WA Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in Washington
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Washington, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Washington
Estimated timeline: 3-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Individuals must be at least 18 years old, a graduate of an accredited high school or with a GED, be of good moral character, have completed at least 3 years of apprenticeship training or have sucessfully completed a prescribed course in opticianry in an approved college or university or have been a dispensing optician in another state for 5 years, must submit required application and pay a $200 fee for the required examination.
Exam and processing details
- state for 5 years, must submit required application and pay a $200 fee for the required examination
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$48,320 median (4% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#16 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Individuals must be at least 18 years old, a graduate of an accredited high school or with a GED, be of good moral character, have comple...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required state for 5 years, must submit required application and pay a $200 fee for the required examination.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Individuals must be at least 18 years old, a graduate of an accredited high school or with a GED, be of good moral character, have comple...).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Health and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Washington
With a median salary of $48,320, Opticians in Washington earn 4% above the national median of $46,560. Washington ranks #16 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 3-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,837Median annual salary
$48,320Hourly estimate
$23.234% above national median
Difference: +$1,760
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#16 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 regionLicense 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Idaho | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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
Official website verified
Department of Health
101 Israel Rd SE, Tumwater, WA, 98501
Phone: 3602364700
Related Careers in Washington
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $73,420 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $60,350 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $105,120 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Washington?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 3-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Opticians in Washington?
Washington lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What education do you need to become a Optician in Washington?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optician licensure in Washington.
What is the typical Optician salary in Washington?
The median annual salary for Opticians in Washington is $48,320. Salaries range from $38,950 (10th percentile) to $74,670 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in Washington compare to the national average?
Opticians in Washington earn 4% above the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $48,320.
How many Opticians work in Washington?
Washington employs approximately 2,000 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to Washington 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 Washington?
The licensing agency is Department of Health. Review agency details at http://www.doh.wa.gov/.
How often do you renew a Optician license in Washington?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.