Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WV Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in West Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in West Virginia, 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 West Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 4
Council on Optometric Education or its.
- 5
Education.
- 6
Making application for a license or permit under §14-1-3.
- 7
Application Examination and.
- 8
Application on the Board's application form,.
- 9
"License" means a license to designee.
Exam and processing details
- current photographs of himself or herself, not to exceed two (2) inches by two (2) inches in size. 2.6. "National Board Examination" means the prescribed national examination in 3.2.
- In the application the applicant shall optometry composed and administered by the state that he or she shall abide by the laws of this National Board of Examiners in Optometry.
- State regulating the practice of optometry and by the rules adopted by the Board. 1
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
OPTOMETRY
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$130,190 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#27 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet West Virginia 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 current photographs of himself or herself, not to exceed two (2) inches by two (2) inches in size. 2.6. "National Board Examination" means the prescribed national examination in....
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Making application for a license or permit under §14-1-3.; Application Examination and.).
- 6. Submit the application to OPTOMETRY and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in West Virginia
With a median salary of $130,190, Optometrists in West Virginia earn 3% below the national median of $134,830. West Virginia ranks #27 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,167Median annual salary
$130,190Hourly estimate
$62.593% below national median
Difference: -$4,640
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#27 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $130,190 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $128,260 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $157,830 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $134,830 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $132,000 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $130,000 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | 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. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | 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. |
| Ohio | 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
OPTOMETRY
See official licensing board website
Phone: 3045585901
Related Careers in West Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 18 years |
| Anesthesiologist | $168,390 | Degree required | 2-3 months |
| Athletic Trainer | $45,140 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $87,980 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in West Virginia?
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 West Virginia?
West Virginia lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in West Virginia?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Optometrist licensure in West Virginia.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in West Virginia is $130,190. Salaries range from $63,460 (10th percentile) to $215,640 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?
Optometrists in West Virginia earn 3% below the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $130,190.
How many Optometrists work in West Virginia?
West Virginia employs approximately 150 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
The licensing agency is OPTOMETRY. Review agency details at http://www.wvbo.org/.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in West Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.