Application Fee
$279Verified by CA Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in California, including $279 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optometrist in California
Estimated timeline: 1 monthCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 3
Fees: Application: $279.
- 4
Renewal Fee: $500.
- 5
Examination: National Board of Examiners in Optometry Parts I, II (including the TMOD component), & III exams.
- 6
California Law and Regulations Exam.
- 7
Examination Frequency: California Laws and Regulations examination (CLRE), continuous.
- 8
Computer-based exam administered by Psychological Services, LLC (PSI)
- Parts I, II & III exams – four times a year.
Exam and processing details
- National Board of Examiners in Optometry Parts I, II (including the TMOD component), & III exams. California Law and Regulations Exam. Frequency: California Laws and Regulations examination (CLRE), continuous. computer-based exam administered by Psychological Services, LLC (PSI)
- Parts I, II & III exams – four times a year. Locations: National Examinations given at Optometry schools around the U.S. and Canada. CLRE provided at sites located in California and other regions across the U.S. Experience
Continuing education and program notes
- certifications
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $279 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Optometry
- Current Filing Fee
$279
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$137,070 median (2% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#18 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Optometrist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: National Board of Examiners in Optometry Parts I, II (including the TMOD component), & III exams. California Law and Regulations Exam. Frequency: California Laws and Regulations....
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Application: $279.).
- 5. Budget filing costs (Application: $279).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Board of Optometry and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $137,070, Optometrists in California earn 2% above the national median of $134,830. California ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1 month.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$137,070Hourly estimate
$65.902% above national median
Difference: +$2,240
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#18 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $137,070 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1 month |
| Oregon | $119,980 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $146,760 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 1 month |
| Arizona | $134,430 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-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
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $77,640 | Varies by state board | 1-2 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | 1-12 months |
| Athletic Trainer | $74,150 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $123,600 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1 month, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in California?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in California is $137,070. Salaries range from $71,860 (10th percentile) to $213,420 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in California compare to the national average?
Optometrists in California earn 2% above the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $137,070.
How many Optometrists work in California?
California employs approximately 6,790 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist 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 Optometrists 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 Optometrist license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.