Application Fee
See agencyVerified by HI Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in Hawaii
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optometrist in Hawaii
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Education requirements: Graduate from an optometric college, school, or university approved by the Board and accredited by a regional or professional accreditation organization and recognized by the council on post-secondary accreditation or by the United States Department of Education.
- 6
National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exam: Part I, II, and III.
- 7
Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease (TMOD) exam required for therapeutically certified optometrists.
- 8
In 2022, pay $242 (application $15, license $42, compliance resolution fund $100, ½ renewal for 2nd year of 2-year license $85).
- 9
In 2023, pay $107 (application $15, license $42, compliance resolution fund $50).
Exam and processing details
- Part I, II, and III. Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease (TMOD) exam required for therapeutically certified optometrists.
Continuing education and program notes
- certified optometrists
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Optometry
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$136,670 median (1% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#19 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Hawaii 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: Third-party exam required Part I, II, and III. Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease (TMOD) exam required for therapeutically certified optometrists..
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; In 2022, pay $242 (application $15, license $42, compliance resolution fund $100, ½ renewal for 2nd year of 2-year license $85).).
- 6. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Board of Optometry and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Hawaii
With a median salary of $136,670, Optometrists in Hawaii earn 1% above the national median of $134,830. Hawaii ranks #19 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
-0.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,316Median annual salary
$136,670Hourly estimate
$65.711% above national median
Difference: +$1,840
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#19 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $136,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| 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 |
| Washington | $157,650 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alaska | $165,830 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Washington | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alaska | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Optometry
P. O. Box 3469, [335 Merchant St., Rm. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813], Honolulu, HI, 96801
Phone: 8085863000
Related Careers in Hawaii
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-4 months |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | 3 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $70,930 | Degree required | 18 years |
| Audiologist | $92,120 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Hawaii?
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 Hawaii?
Hawaii lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in Hawaii?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optometrist licensure in Hawaii.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Hawaii is $136,670. Salaries range from $99,040 (10th percentile) to $207,970 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Hawaii earn 1% above the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $136,670.
How many Optometrists work in Hawaii?
Hawaii employs approximately 230 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Hawaii 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 Hawaii?
The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Board of Optometry. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/optometry/.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Hawaii?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.