How to Become an Optician in California
Opticians in California are often employed in optometry or ophthalmology practices, retail vision chains or clinics, where they work closely with patients and customers to properly measure, fit and select eyeglasses as well as contact lenses. With customer service being a major requirement of this career path, a majority of working opticians are outgoing, people-persons by nature— individuals who strive to make a difference in the lives of their customers, especially when it comes to making the best possible decisions regarding eyewear, whether it’s for eye health, vision or style. On this page, we’ll help you find optician schools in California, training and certification [En Español]
Optician Certification in California
Opticians are required to have a valid certification from the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). These certifications demonstrate that they have passed an exam and met the ABO-NCLE requirements for becoming a licensed optician. Generally, individuals wishing to become an optician in California must be at least 18 years old, high school diploma and they must have successfully completed a two-year college program or a four-year apprenticeship program. After completing the necessary optician training requirements, applicants must pass both parts of the ABO exam and one part of the NCLE exam to gain certification. ABO certification exam results are valid for three years, while NCLE exam results are valid for five years.
Registered dispensing optician (RDO) is a higher level of certification available for opticians in California. This advanced certifications indicates that the individual has achieved a certain level of skill and knowledge, and allows opticians to practice without supervision in California. To become an Registered Dispensing Optician, applicants must first fulfill all the requirements mentioned above and then pass additional exams administered by the American Board of Opticianry.
Licensing Requirements for Opticians in California
Licensure is a requirement for opticians working in California and is granted by the Medical Board of California and The Board of Optometry. Formal education in opticianry is a California requirement as well, but the education requirements are not extensive. A diploma program, a certificate program or even an online program in opticianry, including the programs mentioned below, will suffice.
Upon completing an education program you will be eligible to take the necessary exams including the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) exam and National Contact Lens Examiner’s (NCLE) exam. These exams are offered twice a year. the ABO exam includes various levels for opticians including beginner, advanced and master dispensing optician. It’s not uncommon for opticians right out of school to take the beginner’s certification exam and work their way up as they gain on-the-job experience.
Optician Schools in California
There are quite a few optician certification training programs offered throughout the Golden State, but most of these programs can be found in the Los Angeles and Sacramento areas.
- The American Career College — Los Angeles offers a certificate training program for those interested in becoming an optician. The school’s Optical Technician Certificate Program can be completed in as little as nine months and covers everything from conducting basic eye exams to filling prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists.
- The Charles A Jones Career and Education Center in Sacramento offers an Optometric Assistant/Dispensing Optician program that can be completed in 27 weeks or 810 hours. Upon completion of the course, students will receive a Certificate of Completion as an Optometric Assistant. Additionally, graduates of the program can take advantage of the school’s job placement services.
Outlook and Salaries for Opticians in California
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were about 8,600 people working as opticians in California in 2020. Additionally, there were 3,900 people working as ophthalmic medical technicians and approximately 4,700 people employed as optometrists in the same year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs for opticians in California will increase by 8 percent through 2030.
As of May 2021, the average annual salary for opticians working in California was $47,020. Ophthalmic medical technologists earned approximately $41,330 in 2020, while doctors of optometry earned an average of $130,450 in the same year.
Salaries in California by Occupation
| Profession | Employment | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opticians, Dispensing | 7,600 | $20.32 | $42,270 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | 3,280 | $19.47 | $40,510 |
| Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians | 2,430 | $17.69 | $36,800 |
| Optometrists | 3,810 | $55.42 | $115,260 |
Certified Dispensing Optician Salaries in California by Region
| Region | Total Employment | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary | 10% Percentile | 25% Percentile | Median | 75% Percentile | 90% Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA | 90 | $17.24 | $35,860 | $25,500 | $29,180 | $34,170 | $38,690 | $54,200 |
| Chico, CA | 40 | $18.40 | $38,280 | $27,100 | $32,820 | $36,670 | $40,830 | $55,800 |
| Fresno, CA | 160 | $21.17 | $44,040 | $28,860 | $34,300 | $41,880 | $52,970 | $62,320 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 2,900 | $20.15 | $41,920 | $29,440 | $34,100 | $39,190 | $49,020 | $59,430 |
| Modesto, CA | 90 | $19.56 | $40,690 | $29,960 | $33,770 | $38,070 | $46,120 | $55,260 |
| Napa, CA | 30 | $18.80 | $39,110 | $26,730 | $29,580 | $38,300 | $47,790 | $54,420 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 150 | $20.12 | $41,840 | $29,740 | $34,220 | $40,850 | $49,670 | $57,610 |
| Redding, CA | 40 | $20.17 | $41,960 | $28,950 | $33,230 | $39,800 | $51,500 | $58,870 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 780 | $18.71 | $38,910 | $23,930 | $32,010 | $36,990 | $46,550 | $57,740 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | 410 | $19.60 | $40,760 | $22,670 | $24,780 | $38,750 | $54,980 | $60,830 |
| Salinas, CA | 80 | $17.52 | $36,430 | $22,540 | $24,510 | $38,570 | $45,890 | $49,720 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | 440 | $19.61 | $40,790 | $26,560 | $32,840 | $38,350 | $50,590 | $59,150 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 1,130 | $23.29 | $48,450 | $26,390 | $34,400 | $46,040 | $58,920 | $74,810 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 440 | $20.53 | $42,700 | $23,500 | $32,720 | $42,850 | $53,680 | $60,900 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | 100 | $18.67 | $38,830 | $27,990 | $32,440 | $38,290 | $45,930 | $50,330 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 70 | $21.07 | $43,820 | $33,780 | $38,310 | $44,260 | $49,260 | $54,470 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 90 | $16.49 | $34,290 | $26,230 | $28,120 | $31,310 | $37,900 | $49,330 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | 80 | $22.34 | $46,470 | $30,980 | $37,780 | $47,870 | $56,500 | $61,210 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 100 | $18.23 | $37,930 | $29,850 | $33,160 | $36,640 | $40,290 | $50,780 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | 80 | $24.28 | $50,510 | $29,040 | $38,880 | $54,200 | $61,090 | $65,290 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | 60 | $20.32 | $42,260 | $28,350 | $32,950 | $39,040 | $52,190 | $60,120 |
Optician Employment in California
The outlook for working as an optician in California is excellent, especially since the Golden State has the most employed opticians in the country, according to the BLS. While there are many job opportunities throughout California, the cities of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Sacramento employ the highest number of opticians. Opticians in the state are frequently hired to work in vision care chains and private ophthalmic practices, but can also be found working in clinics and hospitals.
They can work as spectacle lens dispensers, contact and spectacle lenses fitters and provide eyewear sales assistance.
Dispensing opticians are typically responsible for verifying and validating prescriptions, fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses, helping patients select frames and providing basic eye care advice. They must be familiar with the different types of lenses, frames and materials in order to help their customers make informed decisions when selecting eyewear. Additionally, opticians may also need to adjust glasses as needed and provide basic cleaning services on eyeglasses.
Optician School Listings
- Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division
- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
- Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Roseville, CA
Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division Area
200 California Hall, Berkeley, California 94720
(510) 642-6000
Optometry – Certificate Program, Optometry – Doctor Program
The University of California-Berkeley offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and a Doctor program. All programs are taught at their Berkeley campus in the city of Berkeley, California. This is a full, 4-year public college with 38,189 students, of which 0% are undergraduates. The University of California-Berkeley has institutional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission. Tuition fees are around $14,170 per year, while study materials may cost in the order of $891, depending on the program.
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Metropolitan Division Area
309 E 2nd St, Pomona, California 91766-1854
(909) 623-6116
Optometry – Doctor Program
The Optometry Doctor’s degree program in Optometry at Western University of Health Sciences can be taken at their campus in Pomona in Los Angeles County. This is a full, 4-year private college with 3,876 students, of which 0% are undergraduates. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission. The cost of tuition is broadly in the order of $23,502 yearly.
Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Roseville, CA Area
5451 Lemon Hill Ave, Sacramento, California 95824-1529
(916) 433-2600 x1000
Optometric Assistant/Dispensing Optician – Certificate Program
Charles A Jones Career and Education Center’s Certificate program in Optometric Assistant/Dispensing Optician is offered at their campus in the city of Sacramento, CA. The college has in the region of 525 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $7,090 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $705, although this will vary with the program.
Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA Metropolitan Division Area
2575 Yorba Linda Blvd, Fullerton, California 92831-1699
(714) 870-7226
Glaucoma Case Management – Doctor Program
Marshall B Ketchum University’s Doctor program in Glaucoma Case Management is offered at their campus in Fullerton in Orange County. This is a full, 4-year private college with 460 students, of which 0% are undergraduates. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission. Tuition fees are broadly around $34,662 annually.
Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Roseville, CA Area
11080 White Rock Rd., Suite 100, Rancho Cordova, California 95670
(916) 969-4900
Optical Assistant & Optometric Assistant – Certificate Program
The Certificate program in Optical Assistant & Optometric Assistant at National Career Education can be taken at their campus in the city of Rancho Cordova. Most of the school’s 226 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Tuition fees for the Optical Assistant & Optometric Assistant program are broadly around $11,928 annually, while study materials may cost around $449. Usually, the program is completed in 8 months.
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Metropolitan Division Area
14101 E. Nelson Ave, La Puente, California 91746-0002
(626) 934-2801
Optical Training – Certificate Program
The Certificate program in Optical Training at Hacienda La Puente Adult Education is offered at their campus in La Puente in Los Angeles County, CA. Most of the school’s 4,115 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $3,330 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,350, although this will vary with the program.
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Area
3130 East Sedona Court, Ontario, California 91764
(949) 783-4800
Optical Technician – Certificate Program
American Career College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. All programs are taught at their Ontario campus in the city of Ontario, California. This private, for-profit college has in the order of 1,521 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. The cost of tuition is in the order of $36,150 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $450, although this will vary with the program.
* Tuition fees and colleges’ accreditation status are, to the best of our knowledge, correct at the time of writing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm directly with college before applying.
Neighbor States
See options in Arizona, Nevada and Oregon.
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What opticians earn in California
California has more than 7,800 employed dispensing opticians, making it one of the largest markets for this career in the country. That size matters to you because it means consistent demand across coastal cities, inland suburbs, and rural counties alike.
According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage for dispensing opticians in California is $57,990. The mean sits a bit higher at $61,070, pulled up by higher-paying metro markets. Here is how the full pay range looks:
| Percentile | Annual wage |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry-level range) | $42,390 |
| 25th | $47,050 |
| Median (50th) | $57,990 |
| 75th | $77,460 |
| 90th (top earners) | $81,680 |
The gap between the 25th and 75th percentile is about $30,000 a year. That spread tells you pay rises meaningfully as you gain experience, add specialties, or move into a higher-volume practice.
How a related role compares
Some opticians advance into ophthalmic medical technician roles. These positions sit inside ophthalmology practices and clinics, where you assist physicians with diagnostic testing and patient care. BLS May 2025 OEWS data shows the median wage for this role in California is $54,490, with a mean of $63,030. The top earners reach $101,700, which is notably higher than the optician ceiling. If you want a path into a clinical setting with strong long-term earning potential, this is worth researching.
| Role | Median wage | Mean wage | 90th percentile | Employed in CA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dispensing optician | $57,990 | $61,070 | $81,680 | 7,840 |
| Ophthalmic medical technician | $54,490 | $63,030 | $101,700 | 2,500 |
Source: BLS May 2025 OEWS data.
The two roles are related but not the same. Dispensing opticians fit and sell eyewear. Ophthalmic medical technicians perform clinical tasks under a physician’s supervision. Your choice between them depends on whether you prefer the retail and fitting side of eye care or the clinical and diagnostic side.
Licensure in California
California licenses dispensing opticians through the Medical Board of California, which also oversees a separate contact lens endorsement. You need this state license before you can legally fit and dispense eyewear in a California optical setting. Federal ABO-NCLE certification (the national credential issued by the American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Examiners) is not the same as a California license, but completing that exam pathway is one of the routes California accepts toward licensure. Confirm the exact current requirements directly with the Medical Board before you enroll in any program, because requirements can change.
Apprenticeship vs. formal training
California allows you to qualify for the state licensing exam through a supervised apprenticeship, meaning you do not have to complete a formal degree or certificate program first. However, a structured program gives you a faster and more predictable path to the exam. It also gives you hands-on lab time before you work with real patients, which most employers prefer.
Optician training programs in California
Several schools in California offer optical training at different levels. The list below covers programs with verified active pages as of the time this page was updated. Tuition varies by school and changes each enrollment cycle, so contact each program directly for current costs.
Certificate and diploma programs
American Career College – Los Angeles in Los Angeles and its campus in Ontario, American Career College – Ontario, both run an optical technician program. These are career-college programs designed to move you into the workforce quickly. They cover frame dispensing, lens principles, and patient interaction. Career colleges typically run on a fixed schedule with cohort starts throughout the year, which works well if you want to begin training soon.
Moorpark College in Moorpark is a California community college. Community colleges generally charge lower tuition than career colleges, and financial aid is widely available. Check the college directly for which optical-related courses or certificates are currently active.
North-West College – West Covina in West Covina also has optical training in its program catalog. Review their current schedule to confirm intake dates and program length.
Optometry degree programs (OD and related)
If your goal is to eventually become a licensed optometrist rather than an optician, California has several Doctor of Optometry programs. These are four-year professional degrees that require a bachelor’s degree for admission. They are a separate and much longer path than an optician certificate, but worth knowing about if you are thinking long-term.
- University of California – Berkeley, Berkeley: one of the most established optometry schools in the country.
- Marshall B. Ketchum University, Fullerton: a private health sciences university with a dedicated optometry college.
- Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona: part of a multi-college health sciences campus in the Inland Empire.
These programs train optometrists, who examine eyes and prescribe lenses and medications. That is a different license and a different role than a dispensing optician. If you are deciding between the two paths, the main differences are program length, cost, and scope of practice.
How to choose a program
Before you apply anywhere, ask each school these four questions directly:
- Does this program qualify me to sit for the California dispensing optician licensing exam?
- What is the current tuition and are payment plans available?
- How long does the program take from start to finish?
- Does the program include an externship, meaning a supervised placement in an actual optical setting?
An externship is valuable because it gives you real patient experience before you graduate. It also helps you build a professional reference for your first job application. Some programs require an externship; others make it optional. Know which yours is before you commit.
Financial aid and cost
Community college programs, like the one at Moorpark College, typically cost less per unit than career college programs. If you qualify for federal financial aid, you can apply for it at any accredited school using the FAFSA form. Accreditation here refers to regional or national accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, not professional certification. Confirm that any school you consider holds this type of accreditation before you apply.
Career paths after you are licensed
Most new opticians start in retail optical chains, independent optical shops, or the optical departments inside large vision care practices. After a few years, common moves include:
- Senior or lead optician at a higher-volume location
- Practice manager for an optical retail location
- Ophthalmic medical technician, if you pursue additional training and credentialing
- Optometrist, if you complete a four-year OD degree program
The wage data shows that California opticians in the upper pay range earn more than $77,000 a year. Reaching that level typically takes several years of experience, often combined with specialty skills like low-vision fitting or specialty contact lens fitting.
Next steps
You now have a clear picture of what opticians earn in California, how licensure works, and which schools offer relevant training. The practical next step is to contact two or three programs, ask the four questions listed above, and compare what you hear. Use the links in this page to go directly to each school’s program page. Your decision will come down to program length, cost, and whether the credential prepares you for the California licensing exam.