Chicago vs Hanover Park: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Chicago, IL and Hanover Park, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Hanover Park, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $149,941▲ | $131,225 |
| Hourly Rate | $72.08▲ | $63.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,113▲ | $78,087 |
| 25th Percentile | $136,000▲ | $108,631 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,403▲ | $152,556 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $191,763 | $194,152▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,160▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hanover Park.
The salary gap between Chicago and Hanover Park is $18,716 (14.26%). Chicago's median is +6.63% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $95,650,Hanover Park spans $116,065. Hanover Park has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($144,738 effective) pays 7.10% more than Hanover Park ($135,144 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($149,941/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,738)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Hanover Park if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,152)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Chicago grew 25.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.2% growth in Hanover Park over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$115,780 (2019) → $145,630 (2025)
Hanover Park, IL
$125,988 (2024) → $127,452 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Hanover Park, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Chicago or Hanover Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Hanover Park?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Hanover Park as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Chicago vs Hanover Park?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov