Optometrist Salary in Chicago, IL: $149,941 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Chicago, IL earns a median $149,941/year (≈ $72.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Chicago's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.6), that paycheck buys what $144,738 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.8% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chicago, optometrists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $149,941 in 2026, which exceeds the national median of $140,612 by approximately 6.63%. The salary range for optometrists in the city spans from $96,113 for the lowest ten percent of earners to $191,763 for the highest earners. This data, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, highlights how Chicago's expanding scope of practice— including the management of glaucoma, prescribing oral medications, and performing specific laser procedures— influences local compensation. With the evolving landscape, the job market for optometrists remains strong in the area, showcasing well-paying opportunities across various settings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,113 | $46.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $136,000 | $65.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $149,941 | $72.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167,403 | $80.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $191,763 | $92.20 |
Median Salary Position
6.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chicago
In Chicago, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $95,650 (2026 est.). At $149,941, the local median is 6.63% above the national median of $140,612.
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How Chicago Optometrist Pay Compares
Chicago median: $149,941/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chicago Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,558 | +9.80% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +6.63% more |
Optometrists in Chicago, IL earn a median of $149,941 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.63% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 9.80% above the Illinois state average of $136,558.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chicago has a cost of living 3.59% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chicago, IL has a cost-of-living index of 103.595 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $149,941 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $144,738 — a 3.47% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,780
2025 BLS Actual
$145,630
2026 Current Est.
$149,941
2019–2027 Growth
+33.3%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,780 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $145,630 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,941 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154,379 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chicago metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 25.8% from $115,780 (2019) to $145,630 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $154,379 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,599 (33.34%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicago 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) | $96,113 – $136,000 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $136,000 – $149,941 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $149,941 – $167,403 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $167,403 – $191,763 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Chicago
Employment figures reveal that approximately 1,160 optometrists practice in Chicago, contributing to a robust job market. The cost of living index in the city stands at 103.595, indicating that living expenses are higher than the national average, which can impact take-home pay. Private optometry practices often provide competitive salaries, particularly those that operate under the OD/MD model, allowing for additional revenue streams through surgical referral arrangements. Conversely, retail optical chains may offer less pay due to structured salary models. The disparity in compensation can be attributed to various factors, such as ownership equity, residency training focusing on ocular disease, and post-acquisition employment dynamics within private equity-owned practices. For graduates entering this field, aligning with residency-trained mentors, pursuing specialty training, and considering diverse employment settings will be key strategies for maximizing earning potential in Chicago's optometry market.
More salary data for Chicago, 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 $145,630 for optometristsin the Chicago 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
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