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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optometrist in Mississippi
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Specific course required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
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 (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
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 6-24 months.
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 | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $110,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $129,700 | Varies by state board | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Louisiana | $120,080 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $99,970 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
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
State of Mississippi • Board of Optometry
P.O. Box 12370, Jackson, MS, 39236-2370
Phone: 6019191343
Related Careers in Mississippi
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $61,150 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $79,990 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $47,480 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $37,130 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Mississippi?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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/.