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Optometrist Licensing in Alaska

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Alaska, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Optometrist in Alaska

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  3. 3

    Application $450.

  4. 4

    Examination $250.

  5. 5

    License $600.

Exam and processing details

  • $250 License $600

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development • Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing • Board of Examiners in Optometry

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $165,830 median (23% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet Alaska eligibility requirements for Optometrist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: $250 License $600.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Application $450.).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development~Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing~Board of Examiners in Optometry and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Alaska

With a median salary of $165,830, Optometrists in Alaska earn 23% above the national median of $134,830. Alaska ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+5.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,400

Median annual salary

$165,830

Hourly estimate

$79.73
23% above national median

Difference: +$31,000

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$43,000
  • P2525th percentile$76,490
  • P50Median$165,830
  • P7575th percentile$219,170
  • P9090th percentile$236,860

State vs National Median

State: $165,830
National: $134,830

Total employment: 70 | Annual openings: N/A

Optometrist Salary Ranking

#1 of 50 statesfor Optometrist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$165,830
#2New York$163,040
#3Maryland$157,830
#4Washington$157,650
#5New Jersey$156,000

Nearby States Comparison

Optometrist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Alaska$165,830Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Washington$157,650Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oregon$119,980Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
California$137,070Varies by state boardState-approved exam1 month
Hawaii$136,670Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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
Alaska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Washington50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Hawaii50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development • Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing • Board of Examiners in Optometry

P.O. Box 110806, Juneau, AK, 99811-0806

Phone: 9074652550ext0

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Alaska

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$82,040Varies by state boardVaries by board
AnesthesiologistN/AVaries by state boardVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$62,740Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audiologist$109,700Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Alaska?

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 is the typical Optometrist salary in Alaska?

The median annual salary for Optometrists in Alaska is $165,830. Salaries range from $43,000 (10th percentile) to $236,860 (90th percentile).

How does the Optometrist salary in Alaska compare to the national average?

Optometrists in Alaska earn 23% above the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $165,830.

How many Optometrists work in Alaska?

Alaska employs approximately 70 Optometrists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Alaska 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 Optometrists in Alaska?

The licensing agency is Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development / Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing / Board of Examiners in Optometry. Review agency details at https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardofOptometry.aspx.

How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Alaska?

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