Optometrist Salary in Carbondale, IL: $127,886 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Carbondale, IL earns a median $127,886/year (≈ $61.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Carbondale's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $131,705 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Carbondale, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $127,886, reflecting the locally relevant scope of practice that includes glaucoma management and oral medications. The full salary range spans from $79,608 at the 10th percentile to $180,012 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments. While this compensation is somewhat lower than the national median of $140,612, it remains significant in light of the relatively low cost of living in this area. With local employment numbers showing just five practicing optometrists, the job market is modest, but those in the field can benefit from Carbondale's diverse employment landscape.
About the Carbondale Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,608 | $38.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,454 | $52.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,886 | $61.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,010 | $73.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $180,012 | $86.55 |
Median Salary Position
9.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carbondale
In Carbondale, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $100,404 (2026 est.). At $127,886, the local median is 9.05% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carbondale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carbondale Optometrist Pay Compares
Carbondale median: $127,886/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carbondale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,484 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -9.05% less |
Optometrists in Carbondale, IL earn a median of $127,886 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.05% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.30% below the Illinois state average of $136,484.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carbondale 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.
Carbondale, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $127,886 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,705 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,620
2025 BLS Actual
$124,209
2026 Current Est.
$127,886
2019–2027 Growth
+65.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Carbondale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,365 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,925 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,781 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,209 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,886 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,671 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carbondale metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 56.0% from $79,620 (2019) to $124,209 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,671 by 2027 — a total increase of $52,051 (65.37%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carbondale 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) | $79,608 – $108,454 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,454 – $127,886 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,886 – $152,010 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,010 – $180,012 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Carbondale
The presence of only five optometrists in Carbondale indicates a niche job market that may amplify competition for positions, yet it also means less saturation compared to larger urban areas. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, buying power is slightly better than the national average, making the local optometrist pay more favorable for meeting day-to-day expenses. Those seeking higher compensation may find that private practices or ophthalmology offices tend to offer more lucrative salary packages, particularly for those with residency training in ocular disease or those who are part of OD/MD models. The disparity between lower and higher salaries can be driven by factors such as clinical expertise, involvement in practice ownership equity, and the shifting landscape shaped by private equity acquisitions of independent practices. To maximize earnings in Carbondale, aspiring optometrists should consider targeting employers willing to invest in advanced roles and specialized training opportunities that align with expanding practices.
More salary data for Carbondale, 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 $124,209 for optometristsin the Carbondale 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 Carbondale 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