Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Evanston, IL: $78,746 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Evanston, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,746 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Evanston's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,098 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($135,769) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of optometry in Evanston, Illinois, starting salaries can vary significantly. New graduates can expect an entry-level optometrist salary of approximately $78,746 in 2026, which places them on the lower end of potential earnings within the city. This figure stands in contrast to the overall median salary for optometrists in Evanston, which is projected at $135,769. The journey from an entry-level position to more established roles shows promising growth: optometrists can progress through early career stages, moving from their starting salary to approximately $104,764 within a few years. Given the 2.96% annual growth rate, Evanston presents a reasonable market for recent graduates, offering opportunities that promise higher compensation over time.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Evanston
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 Evanston
Entry-level optometrists in Evanston, IL typically start between $78,746 and $104,764 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $126,734 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $135,769 — 3.44% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Illinois of $180,000 represents just 228.58% of the starting optometrist pay ($78,746/year) in Evanston. 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 Evanston
- 1Research the Evanston market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $78,746 to $104,764, 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 Evanston, 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 Evanston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Evanston'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 Evanston is $126,734 ( 160.94%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,746, experienced hygienists can earn up to $205,480.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,475
2025 BLS Actual
$76,482
2026 Current Est.
$78,746
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,475 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,058 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,916 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,488 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,379 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,603 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,482 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,746 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,077 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Evanston, IL grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,475 in 2019 to $76,482 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,077. New graduates entering the Evanston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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 Evanston
In Evanston, several employers actively seek new graduates, such as retail chains like LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr, which often provide structured onboarding programs for recent OD grads. Additionally, residency-trained optometrists may find opportunities in OD/MD practices and the VA system, which often look to fill positions through residency pipelines. To boost entry-level salaries, candidates should focus on completing their OD degree from an ACOE-accredited school, passing the NBEO Parts I-III, and obtaining their state optometry license. For those looking to enhance their credentials, pursuing a one-year residency specializing in areas like ocular disease or pediatric care can be beneficial. As the scope of practice for optometrists continues to expand—now including glaucoma management, oral medications, and selective surgical procedures—early-career optometrists are presented with a dynamic environment. Their salary growth expectations in the initial years, while starting at a modest level, can improve with experience and specialization, allowing new grads to make a solid impact in the evolving field of optometry in Illinois.
More salary data for Evanston, 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 Evanston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evanston 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