Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NH Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in New Hampshire
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- Must be over 18 years of age
- Good moral character
- Complete a minimum of two years at a college of arts and sciences
- Graduate from an accredited college of optometry, maintaining a minimum of four years in optometric training
- Must pass the National Board Examinations
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification
- Optometrists seeking authorization to treat glaucoma must complete 40 hours of classroom education approved by the Board on topics related to glaucoma
- Letters of reference from two practicing optometrists who know the applicant professionally
Written examinations required – National Board of Examiners in Optometry Exam Parts I, II, and III; and State examinations. An additional examination is required for optometrists seeking authorization to treat glaucoma.
All TPA (therapeutic pharmaceutical agents) certified licensed optometrists shall complete a minimum of 50 credit hours of approved continuing education requirements every calendar year, at least 20 credit hours of which shall be in Class I, and the remainder of which shall be Class II. An optometrist with prescriptive authority to treat glaucoma shall complete ten of the required hours in glaucoma-specific education, with a minimum of seven hours in Class I, and the remaind
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$130,310 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#26 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Must be over 18 years of age
- 2. Good moral character
- 3. Complete a minimum of two years at a college of arts and sciences
- 4. Graduate from an accredited college of optometry, maintaining a minimum of four years in optometric training
- 5. Must pass the National Board Examinations
- 6. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification
- 7. Optometrists seeking authorization to treat glaucoma must complete 40 hours of classroom education approved by the Board on topics related to glaucoma
- 8. Letters of reference from two practicing optometrists who know the applicant professionally
Salary Insights in New Hampshire
With a median salary of 130,310, Optometrists in New Hampshire earn 3% below the national median of $134,830. New Hampshire ranks #26 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$130,310Hourly estimate
$62.653% below national median
Difference: -$4,520
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#26 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $130,310 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maine | $133,470 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Vermont | $156,000 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Massachusetts | $150,820 | Degree required | Third-party 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Maine | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | 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
Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH, 03301
Phone: 6032712152
Related Careers in New Hampshire
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $88,410 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $65,780 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $80,220 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $50,260 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in New Hampshire?
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 New Hampshire?
New Hampshire lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in New Hampshire?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optometrist licensure in New Hampshire.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in New Hampshire?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in New Hampshire is 130,310. Salaries range from $69,000 (10th percentile) to $236,210 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in New Hampshire compare to the national average?
Optometrists in New Hampshire earn 3% below the national median of $134,830, with a state median of 130,310.
How many Optometrists work in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire employs approximately 200 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
The licensing agency is Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Review agency details at https://www.oplc.nh.gov/board-optometry.