Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Iowa, 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 Iowa
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 6
Optometrists measure the visual power of the human eye
- prescribe and adapt lenses, prisms and contact lenses
- and employ visual training or ocular exercise to aid, relieve or correct a person's vision.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Board of Optometry
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$119,990 median (11% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#39 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Iowa 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. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Board of Optometry and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of $119,990, Optometrists in Iowa earn 11% below the national median of $134,830. Iowa ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,154Median annual salary
$119,990Hourly estimate
$57.6911% below national median
Difference: -$14,840
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#39 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $119,990 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $150,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $137,650 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $136,200 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $113,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $116,850 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $118,980 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 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. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 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
Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Board of Optometry
6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0075
Phone: 5152810254
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|---|---|---|---|
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Iowa?
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 Iowa?
Iowa lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in Iowa?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optometrist licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Iowa is $119,990. Salaries range from $77,000 (10th percentile) to $178,520 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Iowa earn 11% below the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $119,990.
How many Optometrists work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 460 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Iowa 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 Iowa?
The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing / Board of Optometry. Review agency details at https://dial.iowa.gov/about/boards/optometry.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Iowa?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.