Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optometrist in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 1-21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be over 21 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must be a graduate of a college of optometry, which has been accredited by the Council on Education of the American Optometric Association. 4) Must serve an internship program, supervised by a board-certified ophthalmologist which includes at least 100 hours of supervised clinical training. 5) Must have passed all parts of the National Board of Optometry Examination. 6) Must have passed all written and practical examinations given by the Arkansas State Board of Optometry.
- Written and Practical Examinations Required.
- License Renewal
- 2
Must be over 21 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must be a graduate of a college of optometry, which has been accredited by the Council on Education of the American Optometric Association. 4) Must serve an internship program, supervised by a board-certified ophthalmologist which includes at least 100 hours of supervised clinical training. 5) Must have passed all parts of the National Board of Optometry Examination. 6) Must have passed all written and practical examinations given by the Arkansas State Board of Optometry.
- Written and Practical Examinations Required.
- License Renewal fee: $150.00
- 3
Education: Degree required.
- 4
Experience: No experience required.
- 5
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 6
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 7
3) Must be a graduate of a college of optometry, which has been accredited by the Council on Education of the American Optometric Association.
- 8
4) Must serve an internship program, supervised by a board-certified ophthalmologist which includes at least 100 hours of supervised clinical training.
- 9
5) Must have passed all parts of the National Board of Optometry Examination.
- 10
License Renewal fee: $150.00.
Exam and processing details
- National Board of Optometry Examination
Continuing education and program notes
- certified ophthalmologist which includes at least 100 hours of supervised clinical training
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Optometry
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$99,970 median (26% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#47 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be over 21 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must be a graduate of a college of optometry, which has been accredi...; Must be over 21 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must be a graduate of a college of optometry, which has been accredi...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required National Board of Optometry Examination.
- 5. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Board of Optometry and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $99,970, Optometrists in Arkansas earn 26% below the national median of $134,830. Arkansas ranks #47 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$99,970Hourly estimate
$48.0626% below national median
Difference: -$34,860
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#47 of 50 statesfor Optometrist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $165,830 |
| #2 | New York | $163,040 |
| #3 | Maryland | $157,830 |
| #4 | Washington | $157,650 |
| #5 | New Jersey | $156,000 |
Nearby States Comparison
Optometrist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $99,970 | Degree required | State exam required | 1-21 years |
| Missouri | $113,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $110,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Mississippi | $107,600 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Louisiana | $120,080 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $128,360 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $98,890 | Specific course 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 56 | Medium | 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. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | 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
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Optometry
4815 W. Markham St., Slot 70, Little Rock, AR, 72205
Phone: 5015346139
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Optometrists in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optometrist licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Arkansas is $99,970. Salaries range from $56,030 (10th percentile) to $217,800 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Arkansas earn 26% below the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $99,970.
How many Optometrists work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 350 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Arkansas 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 Optometrists in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Board of Optometry. Review agency details at https://www.aroptometry.org/.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.