Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Healthcare
Ophthalmologist Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for ophthalmologist in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: 12 monthsCore 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
Empowers the licensee to participate for a period of up to 12 months in graduate medical training within the complex of a hospital to which the licensee is assigned and any satellite facility or other training location utilized in the graduate training program.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Medicine Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$208,060 median salary
- State Salary Rank
#28 of 34 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Ophthalmologist licensure.
- 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.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Medicine Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
The median salary for Ophthalmologists in Pennsylvania is $208,060. Pennsylvania ranks #28 among 34 states. The typical licensing timeline is 12 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$208,060Hourly estimate
$100.03National comparison unavailable
National benchmark data is missing for this profile.
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOphthalmologist Salary Ranking
#28 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $208,060 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 12 months |
| New York | $348,610 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 3 years |
| New Jersey | $303,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | N/A | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $218,490 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | N/A | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $367,750 | Degree required | Third-party 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | 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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Medicine Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177831400
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Ophthalmologist in Pennsylvania?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 12 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Ophthalmologists in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Ophthalmologists.
What education do you need to become a Ophthalmologist in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Ophthalmologist licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Ophthalmologist salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Ophthalmologists in Pennsylvania is $208,060.
How many Ophthalmologists work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 320 Ophthalmologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Ophthalmologist license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Medicine Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Medicine/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Ophthalmologist license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.