Optometrist Salary in Illinois: $144,871 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Illinois's 64 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $144,871/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Illinois sits at BEA RPP 97.1 (3% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $149,198 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Peoria ($166,600), Naperville ($147,150), Chicago ($145,630).
In 2026, the average median salary for optometrists in Illinois is projected to be $144,871, slightly above the national median of $140,612, reflecting a 3.0% difference. Salaries can vary significantly within the state, with Peoria leading at $171,531, while Carbondale offers the lowest at $127,886, illustrating a salary gap of $43,645. This difference is driven by factors such as local demand for eye care services, population density, and the presence of healthcare facilities. Illinois requires optometrists to obtain state licensure, which involves completing an accredited program, passing national and state exams, and fulfilling continuing education requirements. The scope of practice laws in Illinois allow for a comprehensive range of services, including prescribing medications and performing certain procedures, which supports a healthy demand for optometrists. The job market shows a positive outlook, with an annual compound growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96% projected for the coming years. As of now, there are 1,944 employed optometrists in the state, with the top five cities for salaries being Peoria, Naperville at $151,506, Chicago at $149,941, Elgin at $148,603, and Decatur at $138,440. These dynamics highlight both the opportunities and variances within the profession in Illinois.
Illinois Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Illinois: $74,913 (lowest entry-level) to $234,834 (highest top earner)
Illinois vs National Average
Illinois optometrists earn 3.03% more than the national median (+$4,259/year difference).
Illinois Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Illinois range from $90,948 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $194,283 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $144,871. The Illinois median is $4,259 above the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $69.65/hr. Approximately 1,944 optometrists are employed across 64 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$116,111
2025 BLS Actual
$140,706
2026 Current Est.
$144,871
2019–2027 Growth
+28.5%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Illinois (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,111 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,743 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,633 | Actual |
| 2023 | $134,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,975 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,706 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,871 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,159 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Illinois metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 21.2% from $116,111 (2019) to $140,706 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,159 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,048 (28.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Illinois 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Illinois
Lowest Paying Cities in Illinois
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Carbondale | $127,886 |
| Elmhurst | $129,159 |
| Calumet City | $129,477 |
| Galesburg | $129,520 |
| Crystal Lake | $130,017 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Illinois
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Illinois cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peoria | $171,531 | 91.231 | $188,018 |
| Naperville | $151,506 | 97.1 | $156,031 |
| Elgin | $148,603 | 97.1 | $153,041 |
| Bloomington | $136,669 | 93.537 | $146,112 |
| Chicago | $149,941 | 103.595 | $144,738 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $90,948 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $144,871 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $194,283 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Illinois metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 64 Cities in Illinois
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peoria | $171,531 |
| 2 | Naperville | $151,506 |
| 3 | Chicago | $149,941 |
| 4 | Elgin | $148,603 |
| 5 | Decatur | $138,440 |
| 6 | Orland Park | $138,440 |
| 7 | Bolingbrook | $137,845 |
| 8 | Champaign | $137,521 |
| 9 | Palatine | $136,807 |
| 10 | Waukegan | $136,732 |
| 11 | Bloomington | $136,669 |
| 12 | Mount Prospect | $136,471 |
| 13 | Hoffman Estates | $136,029 |
| 14 | Evanston | $135,769 |
| 15 | Joliet | $135,655 |
| 16 | Oak Park | $135,542 |
| 17 | Rockford | $135,423 |
| 18 | Danville | $135,262 |
| 19 | Springfield | $135,192 |
| 20 | Moline | $135,057 |
| 21 | Addison | $134,975 |
| 22 | Berwyn | $134,915 |
| 23 | Aurora | $134,827 |
| 24 | Tinley Park | $134,807 |
| 25 | Northbrook | $134,669 |
| 26 | St. Charles | $134,584 |
| 27 | Gurnee | $134,552 |
| 28 | Arlington Heights | $134,363 |
| 29 | Wheaton | $134,190 |
| 30 | Woodridge | $134,150 |
| 31 | Schaumburg | $134,082 |
| 32 | Buffalo Grove | $134,044 |
| 33 | Bartlett | $134,032 |
| 34 | Lake in the Hills | $133,535 |
| 35 | Collinsville | $133,513 |
| 36 | Skokie | $133,476 |
| 37 | Wheeling | $133,281 |
| 38 | Carpentersville | $133,132 |
| 39 | Oak Lawn | $133,044 |
| 40 | O'Fallon | $133,016 |
| 41 | Rock Island | $132,966 |
| 42 | Quincy | $132,496 |
| 43 | Algonquin | $132,496 |
| 44 | Carol Stream | $132,380 |
| 45 | Normal | $132,374 |
| 46 | Lombard | $132,295 |
| 47 | Cicero | $132,157 |
| 48 | Plainfield | $132,019 |
| 49 | Des Plaines | $131,995 |
| 50 | Urbana | $131,957 |
| 51 | Oswego | $131,490 |
| 52 | DeKalb | $131,384 |
| 53 | Park Ridge | $131,278 |
| 54 | Hanover Park | $131,225 |
| 55 | Glenview | $131,214 |
| 56 | Romeoville | $130,685 |
| 57 | Streamwood | $130,505 |
| 58 | Downers Grove | $130,261 |
| 59 | Belleville | $130,229 |
| 60 | Crystal Lake | $130,017 |
| 61 | Galesburg | $129,520 |
| 62 | Calumet City | $129,477 |
| 63 | Elmhurst | $129,159 |
| 64 | Carbondale | $127,886 |
More Illinois Salary Data
Compare Cities in Illinois
View all comparisons →Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Illinois in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Illinois?
How does Illinois optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Illinois?
How many optometrists are employed in Illinois?
Which Illinois city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across Illinois. State averages are employment-weighted across 64 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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