Optometrist Salary in Buffalo Grove, IL: $134,044 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Buffalo Grove, IL earns a median $134,044/year (≈ $64.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Buffalo Grove's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $138,047 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, earning potential for optometrists in Buffalo Grove is projected at a median annual salary of $134,044, which is slightly below the national median of $140,612. The salary range varies considerably, from $80,294 at the 10th percentile to $198,780 at the 90th percentile, painting a diverse picture of compensation in the area. This data is rooted in estimates derived from the 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living. Factors influencing these figures include the choice of practice ownership versus employment with retail chains or private providers, which can drastically affect earnings depending on the business model and patient volume.
About the Buffalo Grove Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,294 | $38.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,460 | $53.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,044 | $64.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,416 | $75.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198,780 | $95.57 |
Median Salary Position
4.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buffalo Grove
In Buffalo Grove, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,486 (2026 est.). At $134,044, the local median is 4.67% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buffalo Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buffalo Grove Optometrist Pay Compares
Buffalo Grove median: $134,044/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buffalo Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,501 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.67% less |
Optometrists in Buffalo Grove, IL earn a median of $134,044 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.67% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $136,501.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buffalo Grove has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Buffalo Grove, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $134,044 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,047 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,866
2025 BLS Actual
$130,190
2026 Current Est.
$134,044
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Buffalo Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,866 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,535 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,493 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,723 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,694 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,190 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,044 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,011 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buffalo Grove metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,866 (2019) to $130,190 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,011 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,145 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buffalo Grove 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $80,294 – $111,460 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,460 – $134,044 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,044 – $156,416 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,416 – $198,780 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Buffalo Grove
As of now, Buffalo Grove employs seven optometrists, reflecting a niche market where each professional’s practice style may impact their pay trajectory. With a cost of living index of 97.1, the purchasing power for optometrists in this region stands out, indicating that salaries are relatively sustainable compared to national norms. Generally, private practices may offer higher compensation compared to retail chains like LensCrafters or Pearle Vision, especially for those with residency training in ocular disease. The wide salary dispersion can often be attributed to factors such as ownership equity, affiliations with ophthalmologists for surgical referrals, and the evolving landscape of optometry creating specialized opportunities that come with higher pay. For those entering the field, leveraging opportunities for advanced training or pursuing clinical collaborations can result in better compensation in Buffalo Grove.
More salary data for Buffalo Grove, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $130,190 for optometristsin the Buffalo Grove metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Buffalo Grove 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