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Ophthalmologist Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for ophthalmologist in California, including $200 and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

$200

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Ophthalmologist in California

Estimated timeline: 1-2 months

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Application processing: $200.

  3. 3

    Initial Registration Fee: $300.

  4. 4

    Fingerprint processing: $49.

  5. 5

    Registration renewal: $300.

  6. 6

    Examination Frequency: Four times per year (February, May, August and November).

  7. 7

    Exam Locations: Contact the American Board of Optometry (ABO) / National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) at (703) 719-5800 or (800) 296-1379.

Exam and processing details

Frequency
Four times per year (February, May, August and November) Locations: Contact the American Board of Optometry (ABO) / National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) at (703) 719-5800 or (800) 296-1379. Experience
Fee TypeAmount
Application processing$200
Fingerprint processing$49

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Optometry

  2. Current Filing Fee

    $200

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $340,300 median salary

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 of 34 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Ophthalmologist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: Four times per year (February, May, August and November) Locations: Contact the American Board of Optometry (ABO) / National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) at (703) 71....
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Application processing: $200.; Fingerprint processing: $49.).
  5. 5. Budget filing costs (Application processing: $200; Fingerprint processing: $49).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Board of Optometry and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

The median salary for Ophthalmologists in California is $340,300. California ranks #4 among 34 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-2 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$340,300

Hourly estimate

$163.61
National comparison unavailable

National benchmark data is missing for this profile.

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$164,070
  • P2525th percentile$223,140
  • P50Median$340,300
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $340,300
National: N/A

Total employment: 2,040 | Annual openings: N/A

Ophthalmologist Salary Ranking

#4 of 34 statesfor Ophthalmologist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Ohio$367,750
#2New Hampshire$358,490
#3New York$348,610
#4California$340,300
#5Maine$329,590

Nearby States Comparison

Ophthalmologist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$340,300Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-2 months
Oregon$291,990Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$283,050Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1-18 years
ArizonaN/AVaries by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Optometry

2450 Del Paso Road, Suite 105, Sacramento, CA, 95834

Phone: 9165757170

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Athletic Trainer$74,150Varies by state boardVaries by board
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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Ophthalmologist in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-2 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Ophthalmologist salary in California?

The median annual salary for Ophthalmologists in California is $340,300.

How many Ophthalmologists work in California?

California employs approximately 2,040 Ophthalmologists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Ophthalmologist license to California 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 Ophthalmologists in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Board of Optometry. Review agency details at https://www.optometry.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Ophthalmologist license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.