Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Healthcare
Ophthalmologist Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for ophthalmologist in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Ophthalmologist in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Preliminary/temporary license.
- 5
An individual holding a degree of Doctor of Medicine and persons holding the degree of Doctor of Osteopathy, or persons who have satisfied the requirement and are eligible to receive such degree from a medical or osteopathic school, who wish to pursue programs of graduate training in this state, may receive without examination, at the discretion of the Department of Professional Regulation, a 3-year temporary license.
Exam and processing details
- state, may receive without examination, at the discretion of the Department of Professional Regulation, a 3-year temporary license
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$308,460 median salary
- State Salary Rank
#11 of 34 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (An individual holding a degree of Doctor of Medicine and persons holding the degree of Doctor of Osteopathy, or persons who have satisfie...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required state, may receive without examination, at the discretion of the Department of Professional Regulation, a 3-year temporary license.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Illinois
The median salary for Ophthalmologists in Illinois is $308,460. Illinois ranks #11 among 34 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$308,460Hourly estimate
$148.30National comparison unavailable
National benchmark data is missing for this profile.
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOphthalmologist Salary Ranking
#11 of 34 statesfor Ophthalmologist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ohio | $367,750 |
| #2 | New Hampshire | $358,490 |
| #3 | New York | $348,610 |
| #4 | California | $340,300 |
| #5 | Maine | $329,590 |
Nearby States Comparison
Ophthalmologist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $308,460 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $214,690 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | N/A | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | N/A | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | N/A | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $310,070 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Ophthalmologist in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Ophthalmologists in Illinois?
Illinois lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Ophthalmologists.
What education do you need to become a Ophthalmologist in Illinois?
The board typically expects Degree required for Ophthalmologist licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Ophthalmologist salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Ophthalmologists in Illinois is $308,460.
How many Ophthalmologists work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 560 Ophthalmologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Ophthalmologist license to Illinois 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 Ophthalmologists in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.
How often do you renew a Ophthalmologist license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.