Application Fee
See agencyVerified by LA Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in Louisiana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certification tests
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$120,080 median (11% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#38 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Louisiana 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.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals~Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Louisiana
With a median salary of $120,080, Optometrists in Louisiana earn 11% below the national median of $134,830. Louisiana ranks #38 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,176Median annual salary
$120,080Hourly estimate
$57.7311% below national median
Difference: -$14,750
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#38 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $120,080 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $99,970 | Degree required | State exam required | 1-21 years |
| Mississippi | $107,600 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Texas | $128,360 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 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
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners
1111 Medical Center Boulevard S-880, Marrero, LA, 70072
Phone: 3183352989
Related Careers in Louisiana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | 6 months |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,500 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $75,740 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Louisiana?
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 Louisiana?
Louisiana lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in Louisiana?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optometrist licensure in Louisiana.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in Louisiana?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Louisiana is $120,080. Salaries range from $45,180 (10th percentile) to $215,730 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in Louisiana compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Louisiana earn 11% below the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $120,080.
How many Optometrists work in Louisiana?
Louisiana employs approximately 230 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals / Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners. Review agency details at http://www.laoptometryboard.com/.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Louisiana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.