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Optometrist Licensing in South Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in South Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Optometrist in South Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  3. 3

    The practice of optometry is declared to be a profession and defined as examination of the human eye and its appendages, and the employment of any means for the measurement of the powers of visions, or any visual, muscular, neurological or interpretative.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    South Dakota Board of Examiners In Optometry

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $118,980 median (12% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #41 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Optometrist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Submit the application to South Dakota Board of Examiners In Optometry and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in South Dakota

With a median salary of $118,980, Optometrists in South Dakota earn 12% below the national median of $134,830. South Dakota ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,123

Median annual salary

$118,980

Hourly estimate

$57.20
12% below national median

Difference: -$15,850

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$83,740
  • P2525th percentile$92,800
  • P50Median$118,980
  • P7575th percentile$134,130
  • P9090th percentile$170,590

State vs National Median

State: $118,980
National: $134,830

Total employment: 200 | Annual openings: N/A

Optometrist Salary Ranking

#41 of 50 statesfor Optometrist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$165,830
#2New York$163,040
#3Maryland$157,830
#4Washington$157,650
#5New Jersey$156,000

Nearby States Comparison

Optometrist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$118,980Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$128,940Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$150,020Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$119,990Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$116,850Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wyoming$88,410Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1 month
Montana$108,600Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming54LowState-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

South Dakota Board of Examiners In Optometry

PO Box 513, Wall, SD, 57790

Phone: 6052792244

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Optometrist in South Dakota?

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 South Dakota?

The median annual salary for Optometrists in South Dakota is $118,980. Salaries range from $83,740 (10th percentile) to $170,590 (90th percentile).

How does the Optometrist salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?

Optometrists in South Dakota earn 12% below the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $118,980.

How many Optometrists work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 200 Optometrists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Optometrist license to South Dakota 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 South Dakota?

The licensing agency is South Dakota Board of Examiners In Optometry. Review agency details at http://doh.sd.gov/boards/optometry/.

How often do you renew a Optometrist license in South Dakota?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.