Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Colorado, 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 Colorado
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 4
Board staff oversee education, licensing, and enforcement of nurses, nurse aides, and licensed psychiatric technicians.The State Board of Nursing oversees more than 110,000 licensees.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Nursing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$137,370 median (2% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#17 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Optometrist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Regulatory Agencies~Division of Professions & Occupations~Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of $137,370, Optometrists in Colorado earn 2% above the national median of $134,830. Colorado ranks #17 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$137,370Hourly estimate
$66.042% above national median
Difference: +$2,540
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#17 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $137,370 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $88,410 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Nebraska | $116,850 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $128,510 | 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 |
| New Mexico | $154,630 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $134,430 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $124,830 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 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
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Nursing
1560 Broadway Ste 1350, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038947800
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,670 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $94,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Colorado?
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 Optometrists in Colorado?
Colorado lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in Colorado?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optometrist licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Colorado is $137,370. Salaries range from $61,500 (10th percentile) to $231,400 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Colorado earn 2% above the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $137,370.
How many Optometrists work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 980 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Colorado 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 Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Professions & Occupations / Board of Nursing. Review agency details at https://dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.