Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Healthcare
Optometrist Licensing in Wisconsin
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optometrist in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin
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.
- 5
Optometry is defined as the employment of any optometric means, including topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents, to determine the visual efficiency of the human visual system, including refractive and functional abilities, or to diagnose the presence of ocular disease or ocular manifestations of systemic disease and other departures from normal
- the diagnosis and treatment of the refractive and functional ability of the visual system and enhancement of visual performance by prescribing, furnishing, fitting or employing ophthalmic lenses, contact lenses, frames, aids or prosthetic materials, administering visual training, orthoptics, visual therapy or any other optometric means, prescribing or administering drugs for ocular therapeutic purposes or removing superficial foreign bodies from the eye or an appendage to the eye
- examining into the fact, condition or cause of ocular health or disease, or treating or rendering advice.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$137,650 median (2% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#15 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Wisconsin 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 WI Department of Safety and Professional Services~Division of Professional Credential Processing and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Wisconsin
With a median salary of $137,650, Optometrists in Wisconsin earn 2% above the national median of $134,830. Wisconsin ranks #15 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,213Median annual salary
$137,650Hourly estimate
$66.182% above national median
Difference: +$2,820
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptometrist Salary Ranking
#15 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $137,650 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $150,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $119,990 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $136,200 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $131,700 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Michigan | 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
WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing
1400 E. Washington Ave., P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI, 53708-8935
Phone: 6082662112
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin?
Wisconsin lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Optometrists.
What education do you need to become a Optometrist in Wisconsin?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Optometrist licensure in Wisconsin.
What is the typical Optometrist salary in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Optometrists in Wisconsin is $137,650. Salaries range from $69,490 (10th percentile) to $212,440 (90th percentile).
How does the Optometrist salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Wisconsin earn 2% above the national median of $134,830, with a state median of $137,650.
How many Optometrists work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs approximately 750 Optometrists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
The licensing agency is WI Department of Safety and Professional Services / Division of Professional Credential Processing. Review agency details at https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Optometrist license in Wisconsin?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.