Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MA Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in Massachusetts
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts
Estimated timeline: 2-4 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Must have graduated from an approved school or college of optometry, in a course of study of at least 4 years or 3,000 attendance hours.
- 6
Exam required.
- 7
Continuing education required.
Exam and processing details
- required.
Continuing education and program notes
- required.
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Registration in Optometry • Division of Professional Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$150,820 median (12% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#9 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Massachusetts 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 required..
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Board of Registration in Optometry~Division of Professional Licensure and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Massachusetts
With a median salary of $150,820, Optometrists in Massachusetts earn 12% above the national median of $134,830. Massachusetts ranks #9 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2-4 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,805Median annual salary
$150,820Hourly estimate
$72.5112% above national median
Difference: +$15,990
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $150,820 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 2-4 years |
| New Hampshire | $130,310 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Vermont | $156,000 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $163,040 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $143,000 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Rhode Island | $144,360 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Hampshire | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Rhode Island | 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
Board of Registration in Optometry • Division of Professional Licensure
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA, 02114
Phone: 6177271945
Related Careers in Massachusetts
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $135,250 | Degree required | 1-18 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | 2 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $63,720 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Massachusetts?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2-4 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Optometrists in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in Massachusetts?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optometrist licensure in Massachusetts.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Massachusetts is $150,820. Salaries range from $106,970 (10th percentile) to $186,330 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Massachusetts earn 12% above the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $150,820.
How many Optometrists work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts employs approximately 1,120 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The licensing agency is Board of Registration in Optometry / Division of Professional Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/op/.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Massachusetts?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.