Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NJ Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in New Jersey
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Law and Public Safety • Division of Consumer Affairs • State Board of Optometrists
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$156,000 median (16% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#5 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet New Jersey eligibility requirements for Optometrist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Law and Public Safety~Division of Consumer Affairs~State Board of Optometrists and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New Jersey
With a median salary of $156,000, Optometrists in New Jersey earn 16% above the national median of $134,830. New Jersey ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,565Median annual salary
$156,000Hourly estimate
$75.0016% above national median
Difference: +$21,170
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#5 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 Jersey | $156,000 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $163,040 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $128,260 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $137,910 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 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
Official website verified
Department of Law and Public Safety • Division of Consumer Affairs • State Board of Optometrists
PO Box 45012, Newark, NJ, 7101
Phone: 9735046440
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|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $86,550 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in New Jersey?
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 New Jersey?
New Jersey lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in New Jersey?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Optometrist licensure in New Jersey.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in New Jersey?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in New Jersey is $156,000. Salaries range from $49,920 (10th percentile) to $183,010 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in New Jersey compare to the national average?
Optometrists in New Jersey earn 16% above the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $156,000.
How many Optometrists work in New Jersey?
New Jersey employs approximately 950 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to New Jersey 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 Jersey?
The licensing agency is Department of Law and Public Safety / Division of Consumer Affairs / State Board of Optometrists. Review agency details at https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/opt/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in New Jersey?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.