Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MO Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in Missouri
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Missouri, 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 Missouri
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
An applicant licensure: shall have graduated from an aboard approved school of optometry, submit fingerprints
- pass the examination administered by the NBEO and be certified by the Board as qualified to use pharmaceutical agents in accordance with the gui.
Exam and processing details
- pass the examination administered by the NBEO and be certified by the Board as qualified to use pharmaceutical agents in accordance with the gui
Continuing education and program notes
- certified by the Board as qualified to use pharmaceutical agents in accordance with the gui
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Board of Optometry
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$113,030 median (16% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#43 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Missouri eligibility requirements for Optometrist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required pass the examination administered by the NBEO and be certified by the Board as qualified to use pharmaceutical agents in accordance with the gui.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division Of Professional Registration~Missouri State Board of Optometry and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Missouri
With a median salary of $113,030, Optometrists in Missouri earn 16% below the national median of $134,830. Missouri ranks #43 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,232Median annual salary
$113,030Hourly estimate
$54.3416% below national median
Difference: -$21,800
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#43 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $113,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $119,990 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $136,200 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $132,000 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $110,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Arkansas | $99,970 | Degree required | State exam required | 1-21 years |
| Oklahoma | $98,890 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $128,510 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $116,850 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 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. |
| 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
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Board of Optometry
3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 1335, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-1335
Phone: 5737510814ext8007352966
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|---|---|---|---|
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Missouri?
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 exams are required for Optometrists in Missouri?
Missouri lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in Missouri?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optometrist licensure in Missouri.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in Missouri?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Missouri is $113,030. Salaries range from $59,990 (10th percentile) to $166,240 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Missouri earn 16% below the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $113,030.
How many Optometrists work in Missouri?
Missouri employs approximately 660 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Missouri 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 Missouri?
The licensing agency is Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division Of Professional Registration / Missouri State Board of Optometry. Review agency details at http://pr.mo.gov/optometrists.asp.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Missouri?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.