Optometrist Salary in Elmhurst, IL: $129,159 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Elmhurst, IL earns a median $129,159/year (≈ $62.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Elmhurst's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $133,016 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elmhurst, IL, the projected median salary for optometrists in 2026 reaches $129,159, reflecting a competitive local market that ranks slightly below the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in this region extends from $74,913 at the 10th percentile to $182,616 at the 90th percentile, highlighting diverse pay scales based on factors such as experience and specialized training. The scope of practice for optometrists in Illinois includes advanced procedures like glaucoma management and oral medications, which not only enhance patient care but also influence compensation structures. With regional cost adjustments taken into account, the field is positioned to attract professionals looking to build a rewarding career in a community-centered practice environment.
About the Elmhurst Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,913 | $36.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,466 | $50.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,159 | $62.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,622 | $73.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $182,616 | $87.79 |
Median Salary Position
8.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elmhurst
In Elmhurst, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,703 (2026 est.). At $129,159, the local median is 8.15% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elmhurst: You'd be above the median
How Elmhurst Optometrist Pay Compares
Elmhurst median: $129,159/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elmhurst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,532 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -8.15% less |
Optometrists in Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $129,159 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.15% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $136,532.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elmhurst 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.
Elmhurst, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $129,159 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $133,016 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$105,863
2025 BLS Actual
$125,446
2026 Current Est.
$129,159
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,863 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,435 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,175 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,004 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,446 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,159 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,982 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elmhurst metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $105,863 (2019) to $125,446 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,982 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,119 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elmhurst 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) | $74,913 – $104,466 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,466 – $129,159 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,159 – $152,622 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,622 – $182,616 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Elmhurst
The local job market for optometrists in Elmhurst consists of just nine professionals, a fact that illustrates the tight-knit nature of the community. A cost-of-living index of 97.1 indicates that while compensation is robust, it must be considered against the potential for purchasing power. Employers range from private optometry practices to retail optical chains, with private practices typically offering higher salaries due to their ability to share surgical referral revenues with ophthalmologists. The disparity in pay can also be influenced by comprehensive residency training in ocular disease or specific practice ownership structures that provide equity. To maximize earnings within Elmhurst's market, optometrists should seek positions that offer these benefits, as well as explore affiliations with reputable ophthalmology practices, which can significantly enhance financial opportunities.
More salary data for Elmhurst, 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 $125,446 for optometristsin the Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst 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