Optometrist Salary in Cicero, IL: $132,157 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Cicero, IL earns a median $132,157/year (≈ $63.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Cicero's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $136,104 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Cicero, Illinois, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $132,157. This figure is slightly below the national median of $140,612, highlighting how local market conditions and cost considerations shape compensation. Local salary estimates suggest a broad range of pay, from $76,652 at the lower end (P10) to $193,290 for those at the higher end of the spectrum (P90). Factors such as the OD/MD surgical co-management model are crucial in enhancing revenue for practitioners, allowing for greater financial stability in their practices. Given the growing demand for optometrists in Cicero, this presents a promising opportunity for both existing professionals and new graduates seeking to enter the field while addressing community eye health.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,652 | $36.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,669 | $50.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,157 | $63.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,954 | $76.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,290 | $92.93 |
Median Salary Position
6.01% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cicero
In Cicero, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,638 (2026 est.). At $132,157, the local median is 6.01% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cicero: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cicero Optometrist Pay Compares
Cicero median: $132,157/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cicero Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,526 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -6.01% less |
Optometrists in Cicero, IL earn a median of $132,157 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.01% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.20% below the Illinois state average of $136,526.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cicero 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.
Cicero, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $132,157 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,104 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,320
2025 BLS Actual
$128,358
2026 Current Est.
$132,157
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,952 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,826 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,038 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,931 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,883 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,358 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,157 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,069 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cicero metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $108,320 (2019) to $128,358 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,069 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,749 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cicero 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) | $76,652 – $105,669 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,669 – $132,157 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,157 – $158,954 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,954 – $193,290 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Cicero
With an employment level of 21 optometrists in Cicero, the local job market remains stable, despite the relatively modest cost-of-living index of 97.1, which signals that salaries may stretch a bit further here compared to national averages. Various types of employers fill the landscape, including private practices, retail optical chains, and ophthalmology centers. Typically, those working in private practices or in conjunction with ophthalmologists through an OD/MD model may command higher salaries due to ownership stakes or referral income from surgical procedures. The income disparity can often be influenced by the individual's residency training, particularly in ocular diseases or institutional pathways like those with VA medical centers. For those looking to maximize their pay, pursuing advanced training or securing a position in a high-demand specialty can be advantageous in this market, resulting in improved earning potential in Cicero, IL.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Cicero?
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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 $128,358 for optometristsin the Cicero 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 Cicero 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