Peoria vs Romeoville: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Peoria, IL and Romeoville, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, IL | Romeoville, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $171,531▲ | $130,685 |
| Hourly Rate | $82.47▲ | $62.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $132,201▲ | $76,886 |
| 25th Percentile | $138,615▲ | $107,535 |
| 75th Percentile | $173,426▲ | $156,204 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,431▲ | $187,694 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Romeoville.
The salary gap between Peoria and Romeoville is $40,846 (31.26%). Peoria's median is +21.99% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Peoria spans $77,230,Romeoville spans $110,808. Romeoville 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, Peoria ($188,018 effective) pays 39.70% more than Romeoville ($134,588 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($171,531/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($209,431)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $188,018)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Romeoville if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Peoria grew 37.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 1.2% growth in Romeoville over the same period.
Peoria, IL
$121,070 (2021) → $166,600 (2025)
Romeoville, IL
$125,469 (2024) → $126,928 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Romeoville, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Peoria or Romeoville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Peoria and Romeoville?
Should I relocate from Peoria to Romeoville as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Peoria vs Romeoville?
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