Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NV Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in Nevada
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Nevada, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Both state and third-party exams requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optometrist in Nevada
Estimated timeline: 1 monthCore 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
2) Pass the national board examination.
- 6
3) Pass a state examination (75% minimum score) on the laws and regulations governing the practice of optometry in Nevada.
- 7
If an optometrist is certified to administer and prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPA), she/he is required to obtain 30 hours of continuing education for annual renewal, 15 hours of which must be therapeutic-related.
- 8
If an optometrist is NOT certified in therapeutics (designated as diagnostic pharmaceutical agents (DPA)), eighteen hours of continuing education are required for annual renewal.
- 9
Fees are: examination--$250
- initial license--$25
- annual license renewal--$350.
Exam and processing details
- national board examination
Continuing education and program notes
- certified to administer and prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPA), she/he is required to obtain 30 hours of continuing education for annual renewal, 15 hours of which mus
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Optometry
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$146,760 median (9% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#11 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Nevada 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: Both state and third-party exams required national board examination.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Board of Optometry and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Nevada
With a median salary of $146,760, Optometrists in Nevada earn 9% above the national median of $134,830. Nevada ranks #11 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1 month.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,294Median annual salary
$146,760Hourly estimate
$70.569% above national median
Difference: +$11,930
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#11 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $146,760 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 1 month |
| Oregon | $119,980 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Idaho | $66,880 | Degree required | State exam required | 21 years |
| Utah | $124,830 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $134,430 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| California | $137,070 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Idaho | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Utah | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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
Board of Optometry
P.O. Box 1824, Carson City, 89702
Phone: 7758838367
Related Careers in Nevada
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-3 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | 2-3 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $57,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $86,290 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Nevada?
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 Nevada?
Nevada lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in Nevada?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optometrist licensure in Nevada.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in Nevada?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Nevada is $146,760. Salaries range from $83,330 (10th percentile) to $174,990 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in Nevada compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Nevada earn 9% above the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $146,760.
How many Optometrists work in Nevada?
Nevada employs approximately 360 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Nevada 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 Nevada?
The licensing agency is Board of Optometry. Review agency details at http://optometry.nv.gov/.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Nevada?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.