Optometrist Salary in DeKalb, IL: $131,384 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in DeKalb, IL earns a median $131,384/year (≈ $63.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in DeKalb's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $135,308 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In DeKalb, Illinois, the 2026 median annual salary for an optometrist reaches $131,384, presenting an appealing compensation landscape for professionals in this field. Salary ranges reveal considerable variation, starting from $78,442 at the 10th percentile to as high as $194,693 at the 90th percentile, illustrating potential growth based on experience and practice setting. These numbers are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, showing a local take-home pay that may slightly lag behind the national median of $140,612. The variation in pay often stems from structural choices in practice ownership; those in independent practices tend to see higher earnings, particularly if they have established strong patient bases or specialty services, highlighting the importance of strategic career planning for optometrists in DeKalb.
About the DeKalb Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,442 | $37.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,954 | $52.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,384 | $63.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,928 | $73.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,693 | $93.60 |
Median Salary Position
6.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in DeKalb
In DeKalb, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,251 (2026 est.). At $131,384, the local median is 6.56% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in DeKalb: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How DeKalb Optometrist Pay Compares
DeKalb median: $131,384/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | DeKalb Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,574 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -6.56% less |
Optometrists in DeKalb, IL earn a median of $131,384 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.56% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $136,574.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
DeKalb 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.
DeKalb, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $131,384 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,308 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,686
2025 BLS Actual
$127,607
2026 Current Est.
$131,384
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,686 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,302 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,142 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,348 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,206 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,607 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,384 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,273 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the DeKalb metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $107,686 (2019) to $127,607 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,273 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,587 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeKalb 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) | $78,442 – $108,954 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,954 – $131,384 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,384 – $152,928 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,928 – $194,693 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in DeKalb
The job market for optometrists in DeKalb employs only nine individuals, reflecting a small but stable segment of the local economy. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, the purchasing power of optometrists in DeKalb is somewhat favorable compared to many urban areas. However, it remains essential to consider which employers can offer the highest pay. Independent private practices usually provide better compensation than retail optical chains such as LensCrafters or Visionworks. Factors driving the pay spectrum include the complexities of practice ownership, the benefits of working with ophthalmologists in OD/MD models, and the nuances of training in ocular disease or other specializations. To maximize earnings, optometrists should consider post-residency opportunities, investigate local demand for specific eye care services, and potentially explore private practice options where income can grow from owned equity and patient loyalty.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in DeKalb?
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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 $127,607 for optometristsin the DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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