Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NE Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in Nebraska
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Nebraska, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optometrist in Nebraska
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
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Education: Varies by state board.
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License Type: Stand-alone license.
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They prescribe corrective procedures and conserve, improve, and correct vision through the use of lenses, contact lenses, prisms, orthotopic exercises, visual training, and controlled visual environment.
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Licensure to practice optometry in Nebraska may be obtained either through examination or reciprocity.Examination- Applicants who have graduated from an accredited school or college of optometry.Reciprocity- Nebraska Revised Statute 38-129.02 outlines a reciprocity pathway for individuals who are moving to Nebraska from another jurisdiction that has a similar license type.All applicants are also required to complete the Nebraska Optometry Jurisprudence Exam, which relates to the statutes and regulations that govern optometry in the state of Nebraska, with a minimum score of 60%.
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License Fee- $146.00.
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Fingerprint Processing Fee- $45.25 (Paid directly to the Nebraska State Patrol).
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Renewal.
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Renewal is required biennially by August 1 of even-numbered years.
Exam and processing details
- Jurisprudence Exam, which relates to the statutes and regulations that govern optometry in the state of Nebraska, with a minimum score of 60%
Continuing education and program notes
- certified to do so
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services • Public Health Licensure Unit
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$116,850 median (13% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#42 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet Nebraska eligibility requirements for Optometrist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Jurisprudence Exam, which relates to the statutes and regulations that govern optometry in the state of Nebraska, with a minimum score of 60%.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Fingerprint Processing Fee- $45.25 (Paid directly to the Nebraska State Patrol).).
- 5. Submit the application to Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services~Public Health Licensure Unit and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Nebraska
With a median salary of $116,850, Optometrists in Nebraska earn 13% below the national median of $134,830. Nebraska ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,157Median annual salary
$116,850Hourly estimate
$56.1813% below national median
Difference: -$17,980
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#42 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | $116,850 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $118,980 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $119,990 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $113,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $128,510 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $137,370 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $88,410 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Colorado | 56 | Medium | State-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
Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services • Public Health Licensure Unit
301 Centennial Mall S, Lincoln, NE, 68508
Phone: 4022244915
Related Careers in Nebraska
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Varies by state board | 1-19 years |
| Anesthesiologist | $389,480 | Varies by state board | 1-10 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $57,430 | Varies by state board | 1-2 years |
| Audiologist | $85,820 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Nebraska?
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 Nebraska?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Nebraska is $116,850. Salaries range from $64,550 (10th percentile) to $191,760 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in Nebraska compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Nebraska earn 13% below the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $116,850.
How many Optometrists work in Nebraska?
Nebraska employs approximately 370 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Nebraska 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 Nebraska?
The licensing agency is Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services / Public Health Licensure Unit. Review agency details at https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/pages/acupuncture.aspx.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Nebraska?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.