Application Fee
See agencyVerified by ID Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in Idaho
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Idaho, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal ed annuallyLicensing Blueprint for Optometrist in Idaho
Estimated timeline: 21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Applicants must: 1.) Be 21 years of age or older
- 2.) Graduate from an approved school of optometry
- 3.) Pass a licensing exam.
Exam and processing details
- Pass a licensing exam
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Idaho State Board of Optometry • Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal ed annually
- Salary Position
$66,880 median (50% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#50 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Applicants must: 1.) Be 21 years of age or older; 2.) Graduate from an approved school of optometry; 3.) Pass a licensing exam.).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required Pass a licensing exam.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Idaho State Board of Optometry~Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal ed annually; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Idaho
With a median salary of $66,880, Optometrists in Idaho earn 50% below the national median of $134,830. Idaho ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+3.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,134Median annual salary
$66,880Hourly estimate
$32.1550% below national median
Difference: -$67,950
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#50 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | $66,880 | Degree required | State exam required | 21 years |
| Montana | $108,600 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $88,410 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Utah | $124,830 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $146,760 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Montana | 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. |
| Utah | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oregon | 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
Idaho State Board of Optometry • Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses
700 W. State St., PO Box 83720, Boise, ID, 83720-0063
Phone: 2083343233
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|---|---|---|---|
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Idaho?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Optometrists in Idaho?
Idaho lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in Idaho?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optometrist licensure in Idaho.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in Idaho?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Idaho is $66,880. Salaries range from $37,930 (10th percentile) to $172,300 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in Idaho compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Idaho earn 50% below the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $66,880.
How many Optometrists work in Idaho?
Idaho employs approximately 270 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Idaho 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 Idaho?
The licensing agency is Idaho State Board of Optometry / Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses. Review agency details at http://ibol.idaho.gov/IBOL/.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Idaho?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal ed annually.