Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MS Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in Mississippi
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi
Estimated timeline: 1 monthCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
One who is engaged in the practice of optometry as a profession as defined in this subsection and who has sufficient education and professional competence, as defined by the State Board of Optometry, shall be authorized to examine, diagnose, manage and treat conditions and diseases of the eye and eyelid, including the following: (a) The administration and prescribing of pharmaceutical agents rational to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions or diseases of the eye or eyelid
- excluding administration that requires intraocular injection or intraocular implantation
- (b) The performance of primary eye care procedures not otherwise excluded within this statute rational to the treatment of conditions or diseases of the eye or eyelid
- (c) The performance and ordering of procedures and laboratory tests rational to the diagnosis of conditions or diseases of the eye and eyelid
- excluding those requiring biopsy of any part of the globe or intraocular aspiration or penetration
- (d) The use of a local anesthetic in conjunction with the primary care treatment of an eyelid lesion
- provided, however, that no optometrist shall use a local anesthetic for this purpose unless the optometrist has met the certification requirements set forth by the Board of Optometry for the administration of pharmaceutical agents in the performance of primary eye care procedures.
- 7
No optometrist shall practice under this section unless the optometrist has submitted to the Board of Optometry evidence of satisfactory completion of all education requirements and the board has certified the optometrist as educationally qualified.
- 8
It is required that you have taken and passed all parts, including the TMOD, of the exam administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, to apply for a Mississippi Optometry license.
- 9
A completed application must be received 30 days prior to the exam date.
- 10
An examination fee of $200 for in-state residents and $300 for out-of-state residents should be sent with the application.
- 11
The State Board Exam is administered the second Saturday of January and July of each year ONLY.
Exam and processing details
- State Board of Optometry, shall be authorized to examine, diagnose, manage and treat conditions and diseases of the eye and eyelid, including the following: (a) The administration and prescribing of pharmaceutical agents rational to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions or diseases of the eye or eyelid
- excluding administration that requires intraocular injection or intraocular implantation
- (b) The performance of primary eye care procedures not otherwise excluded within this statute rational to the treatment of conditions or diseases of the eye or eyelid
- (c) The performance and ordering of procedures and laboratory tests rational to the diagnosis of conditions or diseases of the eye and eyelid
- excluding those requiring biopsy of any part of the globe or intraocular aspiration or penetration
- (d) The use of a local anesthetic in conjunction with the primary care treatment of an eyelid lesion
- provided, however, that no optometrist shall use a local anesthetic for this purpose unless the optometrist has met the certification requirements set forth by the Board of Optometry for the administration of pharmaceutical agents in the performance of primary eye care procedures
Continuing education and program notes
- certified under Sections 73-19-153 through 73-19-165 from providing postophthalmic surgical or clinical care and management with the advice and consultation of the operating or treat
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| to become certified to perform Authorized Ophthalmic Surgical Procedures, The fee | $750.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
State of Mississippi • Board of Optometry
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$107,600 median (20% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#46 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet Mississippi eligibility requirements for Optometrist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required State Board of Optometry, shall be authorized to examine, diagnose, manage and treat conditions and diseases of the eye and eyelid, including the following: (a) The administrati....
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; A completed application must be received 30 days prior to the exam date.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (to become certified to perform Authorized Ophthalmic Surgical Procedures, The fee: $750.00).
- 7. Submit the application to State of Mississippi~Board of Optometry and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Mississippi
With a median salary of $107,600, Optometrists in Mississippi earn 20% below the national median of $134,830. Mississippi ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1 month.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.5%Average Weekly Wage
$999Median annual salary
$107,600Hourly estimate
$51.7320% below national median
Difference: -$27,230
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#46 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $107,600 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Tennessee | $110,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Alabama | $129,700 | Varies by state board | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $120,080 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $99,970 | Degree required | State exam required | 1-21 years |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| 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. |
- 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
State of Mississippi • Board of Optometry
P.O. Box 12370, Jackson, MS, 39236-2370
Phone: 6019191343
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Mississippi?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1 month, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Optometrists in Mississippi?
Mississippi lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in Mississippi?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Optometrist licensure in Mississippi.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Mississippi is $107,600. Salaries range from $58,860 (10th percentile) to $227,540 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Mississippi earn 20% below the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $107,600.
How many Optometrists work in Mississippi?
Mississippi employs approximately 250 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
The licensing agency is State of Mississippi / Board of Optometry. Review agency details at https://www.msbo.ms.gov/.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Mississippi?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.