Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IN Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in Indiana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Indiana, 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 Indiana
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
IC 25-24-1-3 Examination
- issuance of license
- applicant licensed in other state
- fees Sec.
- 6
(a) Every person, except those exempted under this chapter, or those excepted from the taking of an examination under this chapter, before beginning the practice of optometry in this state, must pass an examination which shall be given or approved by the board.
- 7
(b) Any person desiring to be licensed by the board must fill out an application furnished by the board, which application must be verified by the applicant, and the applicant must file the verified application with the board.
- 8
The applicant shall pay an application fee set by the board under section 1 of this chapter.
- 9
If the applicant meets the requirements for licensure the applicant shall pay a further sum set by the board under section 1 of this chapter before the board may issue a license to the applicant.
- 10
(c) All persons successfully passing the examination and meeting the requirements of the board shall be registered in a record and shall also receive a license to be signed by the president and secretary of the board.
Exam and processing details
- state, must pass an examination which shall be given or approved by the board
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency • Indiana Optometry Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$127,080 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#36 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Indiana eligibility requirements for Optometrist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required state, must pass an examination which shall be given or approved by the board.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.; (b) Any person desiring to be licensed by the board must fill out an application furnished by the board, which application must be verifi...).
- 6. Submit the application to Indiana Professional Licensing Agency~Indiana Optometry Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Indiana
With a median salary of $127,080, Optometrists in Indiana earn 6% below the national median of $134,830. Indiana ranks #36 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,201Median annual salary
$127,080Hourly estimate
$61.106% below national median
Difference: -$7,750
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#36 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $127,080 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $131,700 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $130,000 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $132,000 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $136,200 | Specific course 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Michigan | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 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
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency • Indiana Optometry Board
402 W. Washington Street, Room W072, Indianapolis, IN, 46204
Phone: 3172348800
Related Careers in Indiana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $73,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $378,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $57,750 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $75,080 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Indiana?
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 Indiana?
Indiana lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in Indiana?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optometrist licensure in Indiana.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in Indiana?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Indiana is $127,080. Salaries range from $66,160 (10th percentile) to $207,430 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in Indiana compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Indiana earn 6% below the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $127,080.
How many Optometrists work in Indiana?
Indiana employs approximately 960 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Indiana 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 Indiana?
The licensing agency is Indiana Professional Licensing Agency / Indiana Optometry Board. Review agency details at http://www.in.gov/pla/opt.htm.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Indiana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.