Optometrist Salary in Danville, IL: $135,262 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Danville, IL earns a median $135,262/year (≈ $65.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Danville's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $139,302 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, optometrists in Danville, IL, can expect a median annual salary of $135,262, which reflects a slightly reduced compensation compared to the national median of $140,612. With a salary range spanning from $78,451 at the P10 level to a notable $189,880 at the P90 level, there are significant opportunities for variation in earnings based on experience, specialization, and the specific practice setting. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost considerations, suggest a stable market for optometrists. The integration of the OD/MD model in surgical co-management provides avenues for enhanced revenue, which can positively influence compensation packages in Danville's optometry job market.
About the Danville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,451 | $37.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,756 | $52.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,262 | $65.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,410 | $76.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $189,880 | $91.28 |
Median Salary Position
3.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Danville
In Danville, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $111,429 (2026 est.). At $135,262, the local median is 3.8% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Danville: You'd be above the median
How Danville Optometrist Pay Compares
Danville median: $135,262/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Danville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,490 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -3.80% less |
Optometrists in Danville, IL earn a median of $135,262 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.80% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% below the Illinois state average of $136,490.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Danville 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.
Danville, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $135,262 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $139,302 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,864
2025 BLS Actual
$131,373
2026 Current Est.
$135,262
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Danville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,864 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,558 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,811 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,842 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,863 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,373 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,262 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,265 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Danville metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,864 (2019) to $131,373 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,265 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,401 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Danville 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) | $78,451 – $108,756 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,756 – $135,262 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,262 – $159,410 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,410 – $189,880 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Danville
The local employment scene for optometrists is modest, with only five practitioners based in Danville. The city's cost of living index sits at 97.1, making it slightly below the national average, which positively impacts the purchasing power of optometrists in the area. To maximize earnings, practitioners might explore opportunities with ophthalmology practices that utilize the OD/MD collaboration for surgical referrals or opt for positions in well-compensated private optometry practices rather than retail optical chains. Factors such as ownership enablement, post-acquisition terms at previously independent practices, and specialization in ocular disease or residency training can further widen the income gap among optometrists. Understanding these dynamics can be crucial for anyone considering how much optometrists make in Danville, as strategic career moves can lead to substantial financial rewards.
More salary data for Danville, 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 $131,373 for optometristsin the Danville 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 Danville 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