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Optometrist Licensing in Minnesota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Minnesota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Optometrist in Minnesota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  3. 3

    General Application FAQs.

  4. 4

    Criminal Background Check (CBC).

  5. 5

    Renew Your License.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Minnesota Board of Optometry

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $150,020 median (11% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #10 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet Minnesota eligibility requirements for Optometrist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (General Application FAQs.; Criminal Background Check (CBC).).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Minnesota Board of Optometry and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Minnesota

With a median salary of $150,020, Optometrists in Minnesota earn 11% above the national median of $134,830. Minnesota ranks #10 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,407

Median annual salary

$150,020

Hourly estimate

$72.13
11% above national median

Difference: +$15,190

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$93,430
  • P2525th percentile$112,010
  • P50Median$150,020
  • P7575th percentile$168,090
  • P9090th percentile$199,990

State vs National Median

State: $150,020
National: $134,830

Total employment: 700 | Annual openings: N/A

Optometrist Salary Ranking

#10 of 50 statesfor Optometrist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$165,830
#2New York$163,040
#3Maryland$157,830
#4Washington$157,650
#5New Jersey$156,000

Nearby States Comparison

Optometrist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Minnesota$150,020Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$137,650Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Iowa$119,990Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
South Dakota$118,980Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$128,940Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota50LowState-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

Official website verified

Minnesota Board of Optometry

2829 University Avenue Southeast, Suite 550, University Park Plaza, Minneapolis, MN, 55414

Phone: 6126172173

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Minnesota?

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 Minnesota?

The median annual salary for Optometrists in Minnesota is $150,020. Salaries range from $93,430 (10th percentile) to $199,990 (90th percentile).

How does the Optometrist salary in Minnesota compare to the national average?

Optometrists in Minnesota earn 11% above the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $150,020.

How many Optometrists work in Minnesota?

Minnesota employs approximately 700 Optometrists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Minnesota 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 Minnesota?

The licensing agency is Minnesota Board of Optometry. Review agency details at http://mn.gov/health-licensing-boards/optometry/.

How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Minnesota?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.