Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Cicero, IL: $76,652 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Cicero, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,652 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cicero's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,941 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($132,157) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new optometrists in Cicero, Illinois, can expect to start with an entry-level salary around $76,652. This figure is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $132,157, creating a notable disparity for those beginning their careers. Transitioning from this initial pay to higher earnings follows a promising trajectory, as real-world experiences and increased responsibilities may propel new grads toward the P25 figure of $105,669 and eventually into the median range within three to five years. Considering the competitive nature of the market, Cicero presently offers a viable environment for recent graduates to establish their footing in the healthcare industry, especially given the projected growth rate of 2.96% for optometrists over the next five years.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cicero
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cicero
Entry-level optometrists in Cicero, IL typically start between $76,652 and $105,669 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $116,638 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $132,157 — 6.01% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Illinois of $180,000 represents just 234.83% of the starting optometrist pay ($76,652/year) in Cicero. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOE-accredited Doctor of Optometry programs. Public school OD programs offer lower in-state tuition, while private institutions carry higher out-of-pocket costs. Totals reflect tuition and fees for the 4-year professional program; clinical rotation travel and living costs add to the total cost of attendance.
OD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Cicero
- 1Research the Cicero market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $76,652 to $105,669, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the optometry field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cicero, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Cicero for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cicero's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in Cicero is $116,638 ( 152.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,652, experienced hygienists can earn up to $193,290.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,866
2025 BLS Actual
$74,448
2026 Current Est.
$76,652
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,866 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,408 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,243 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,800 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,614 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,592 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,448 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,652 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,921 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Cicero, IL grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,866 in 2019 to $74,448 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,921. New graduates entering the Cicero job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cicero metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your optometry Career in Cicero
Employment opportunities for entry-level optometrists in Cicero often come from retail chains like LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr, which typically provide structured onboarding for new graduates. In contrast, residency-trained ODs may find positions within specialized OD/MD practices or at the VA system, which often prefer candidates with advanced training. To increase starting pay in Illinois, new optometrists should ensure they hold an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution and have completed the NBEO exams, in addition to obtaining state licensure. Pursuing further education such as a residency in ocular disease or certification for glaucoma management can also boost career prospects. It’s essential for new grads to remain adaptable, as the optometry field evolves with expanded scopes of practice that now include management of glaucoma and the administration of oral medications in many states. Given the changing dynamics in employment—especially with the decline in retail chain positions due to consolidation—those aiming for entry positions should prepare for a competitive salary advancement during their first few years in practice.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Cicero in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Cicero?
Is optometry school worth it in Cicero?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Cicero?
How do I become a optometrist in Illinois?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new optometry graduates. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Cicero. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cicero is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov