How to Become An Optician in Hawaii
Hawaii employs approximately 110 opticians according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $75,300 1. Nationally, optician employment is projected to grow 2.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 6,800 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become an optician in Hawaii, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming An Optician in Hawaii
How do I become an optician in Hawaii? Hawaii requires credentials such as Dispensing Optician. The licensing authority is the Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Dispensing Optician Program 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Typical requirements include approximately 2 years of experience 3.
Do I need a license in Hawaii? Yes. Hawaii has licensing or registration requirements for opticians. The Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Dispensing Optician Program oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do opticians earn in Hawaii? The median annual wage for opticians in Hawaii is $75,300 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $41,080 and experienced professionals can earn $80,910 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Dispensing Optician Program
- Median wage (Hawaii): $75,300 per year 1
- Exam requirement: Third-party exam required
Optician License Requirements in Hawaii
The Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Dispensing Optician Program oversees optician licensing in Hawaii 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Dispensing Optician | DESCRIPTION OF OCCUPATION: A Dispensing Optician prepares and dispenses lenses and eyeglasses upon a written prescription from licensed physicians or optometrists, and in accordance with the prescript… |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Exam: Third-party exam required
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Optician Wages by Metro Area in Hawaii
Opticians, Dispensing Wages by Metro Area in Hawaii
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), opticians, dispensing wages in Hawaii vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu | 90 | $75,300 | $67,740 | $41,080 | $80,910 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Opticians in Hawaii
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest optician employment within Hawaii according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu | 90 | $75,300 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for opticians in Hawaii? Hawaii currently employs approximately 110 opticians 1. Nationally, optician employment is projected to grow 2.9% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as an optician in Hawaii with an out-of-state license? Contact the Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Dispensing Optician Program for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Hawaii? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Hawaii.
How much do opticians earn in Hawaii compared to the national average? The median annual wage for opticians in Hawaii is $75,300, which is $28,740 above the national median of $46,560 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Dispensing Optician Program - Licensing Information: http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/programs/dispensingoptician/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.