Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS Every two yearsLicensing Blueprint for Optometrist in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 6
They can prescribe corrective procedures through the use of lenses, prisms, therapy and training.
- 7
Be over 21 years of age, of good moral character, and satisfy the education and examination requirements.
- 8
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 9
National Board examination, International Boards of examination requirements (IAB) in Optometry Examination and State Board examination.
- 10
CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 11
Fifteen (15) hours annually.
Exam and processing details
- National Board examination, International Boards of examination requirements (IAB) in Optometry Examination and State Board examination
Continuing education and program notes
- CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS Every two years
- Salary Position
$110,660 median (18% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#44 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Be over 21 years of age, of good moral character, and satisfy the education and examination requirements.).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Board examination, International Boards of examination requirements (IAB) in Optometry Examination and State Board examination.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS Every two years; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $110,660, Optometrists in Tennessee earn 18% below the national median of $134,830. Tennessee ranks #44 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$110,660Hourly estimate
$53.2018% below national median
Difference: -$24,170
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#44 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $110,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Kentucky | $132,000 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $134,830 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $153,750 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $129,690 | Degree required | State exam required | 21 years |
| Alabama | $129,700 | Varies by state board | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $107,600 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Arkansas | $99,970 | Degree required | State exam required | 1-21 years |
| Missouri | $113,030 | Degree 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 33 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- 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
Agency website unverified
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6157415735
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
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|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
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| Athletic Trainer | $54,040 | Degree required | 3 months |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Optometrists in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optometrist licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Tennessee is $110,660. Salaries range from $55,510 (10th percentile) to $174,710 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Tennessee earn 18% below the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $110,660.
How many Optometrists work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 590 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS Every two years.