Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Peoria, IL: $132,201 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Peoria, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $132,201 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peoria's local price level (BEA RPP 91.2 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $144,908 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($171,531) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Recent projections for the entry-level optometrist salary in Peoria, Illinois, indicate a starting pay around $132,201, which sets a foundation that new graduates can build upon in their initial years. While this figure falls significantly below the median salary of $171,531 for experienced optometrists in the area, it allows for a tangible upward trajectory, especially as graduates progress within their careers. Within the first three to five years, growth can be viewed through the lens of the P25 salary of $138,615, suggesting that with experience and skill development, new optometrists can achieve a reasonable increase in pay. Given the competitive nature of the healthcare market in Peoria combined with a 2.96% projected annual growth rate, it appears to be an opportune time for new grads looking to establish their careers as optometrists.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peoria
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 Peoria
Entry-level optometrists in Peoria, IL typically start between $132,201 and $138,615 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $77,230 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $171,531 — 21.99% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Illinois of $180,000 represents just 136.16% of the starting optometrist pay ($132,201/year) in Peoria. 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 Peoria
- 1Research the Peoria market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $132,201 to $138,615, 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 Peoria, 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 Peoria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peoria's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in Peoria is $77,230 ( 58.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $132,201, experienced hygienists can earn up to $209,431.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$101,526
2025 BLS Actual
$128,400
2026 Current Est.
$132,201
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,526 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,185 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,170 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,400 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,201 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,114 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Peoria, IL grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $101,526 in 2019 to $128,400 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $136,114. New graduates entering the Peoria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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 Peoria
When considering employment options in Peoria, various employers actively recruit new graduates. Retail chains like LensCrafters and MyEyeDr. provide structured opportunities for fresh optometrists to enhance their skills in managed care environments. Additionally, residency-trained optometrists may find roles in more specialized practices, including those affiliated with the VA system, which tends to favor candidates with residency experience. Credentialing remains crucial for advancing starting pay in Illinois; having an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited school is essential, alongside certificates from NBEO and state licensure. As the field of optometry expands in scope, particularly with glaucoma management and oral medication capabilities, early-career professionals should focus on building specialized skills to capitalize on these trends. Realistically, those in their first few years in Peoria can expect gradual salary growth as they develop expertise, with a push towards higher compensation correlating with enhanced credentials and additional certifications.
More salary data for Peoria, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Peoria in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Peoria?
Is optometry school worth it in Peoria?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Peoria?
How do I become a optometrist in Illinois?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Peoria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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