Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $76,557 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Des Plaines, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,557 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Plaines's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,843 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($131,995) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the optometry field in Des Plaines, Illinois, as a new graduate can be promising due to a starting optometrist salary that begins at around $76,557 in 2026. This initial pay level represents a significant gap from the city's median annual salary of $131,995. For early-career optometrists, there is potential for growth, as they can expect to see their salary increase to approximately $102,460 as they gain experience. Within just three to five years, it’s realistic for these professionals to aim for the median income level, particularly in a market that provides a variety of employment opportunities. Considering the local job market dynamics, Des Plaines stands out as a favorable location for those embarking on their optometry careers, offering a supportive community for young professionals.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Plaines
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 Des Plaines
Entry-level optometrists in Des Plaines, IL typically start between $76,557 and $102,460 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $116,178 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $131,995 — 6.13% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Illinois of $180,000 represents just 235.12% of the starting optometrist pay ($76,557/year) in Des Plaines. 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 Des Plaines
- 1Research the Des Plaines market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $76,557 to $102,460, 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 Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Plaines'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 Des Plaines is $116,178 ( 151.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,557, experienced hygienists can earn up to $192,735.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,794
2025 BLS Actual
$74,356
2026 Current Est.
$76,557
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,794 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,333 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,167 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,723 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,534 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,502 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,356 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,557 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,823 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Des Plaines, IL grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,794 in 2019 to $74,356 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,823. New graduates entering the Des Plaines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
In Des Plaines, several employers actively recruit new grad optometrists, providing structured onboarding programs that can help recent graduates transition smoothly into their first roles. Retail chains such as LensCrafters and Visionworks are among the largest employers, frequently hiring new graduates with a clear path for mentorship and training. Additionally, optometry and medical doctor practices often prefer residency-trained individuals, while the Veterans Affairs system typically facilitates entry through residency programs. To enhance earning potential in Illinois, candidates should prioritize obtaining their Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited school, passing the NBEO Parts I-III, and acquiring a state license. Completing a one-year residency in specialized areas, such as ocular disease or pediatrics, alongside certifications for glaucoma management and oral pharmaceutical agents, can be a game changer for boosting entry-level salaries. Given the evolving scope of practice in optometry, new graduates should expect realistic salary growth as they build their expertise, particularly as demand for advanced services increases amidst recent changes in the industry.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Des Plaines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Plaines 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