Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MD Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in Maryland
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Maryland, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optometrist in Maryland
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- State-approved exam
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Maryland State Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene • Board of Examiners in Optometry
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$157,830 median (17% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#3 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Maryland eligibility requirements for Optometrist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
- 4. Submit the application to Maryland State Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene~Board of Examiners in Optometry and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Maryland
With a median salary of $157,830, Optometrists in Maryland earn 17% above the national median of $134,830. Maryland ranks #3 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,497Median annual salary
$157,830Hourly estimate
$75.8817% above national median
Difference: +$23,000
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $157,830 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $128,260 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $137,910 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $130,190 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $134,830 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Pennsylvania | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Maryland State Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene • Board of Examiners in Optometry
4201 Patterson Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21215
Phone: 4107644710
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Maryland
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,080 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $349,580 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $60,840 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $101,700 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Maryland?
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 is the typical Optometrist salary in Maryland?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Maryland is $157,830. Salaries range from $51,130 (10th percentile) to $196,360 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in Maryland compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Maryland earn 17% above the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $157,830.
How many Optometrists work in Maryland?
Maryland employs approximately 870 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Maryland from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Optometrists in Maryland?
The licensing agency is Maryland State Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene / Board of Examiners in Optometry. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Maryland?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.