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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optometrist in Colorado
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine
- 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 (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
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 6-24 months.
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 | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Wyoming | $88,410 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $116,850 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Kansas | $128,510 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $98,890 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Mexico | $154,630 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Arizona | $134,430 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Utah | $124,830 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
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 | 50 | Low | 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
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine
1560 Broadway Ste 1350, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038947800
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $94,670 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $80,900 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $69,580 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $47,770 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Optometrists in Colorado?
Colorado lists Third-party 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 Pharmacy, Optometric, & Veterinary Medicine. Review agency details at https://dpo.colorado.gov/Accountancy.