Optometrist Salary in Galesburg, IL: $129,520 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Galesburg, IL earns a median $129,520/year (≈ $62.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Galesburg's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $133,388 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Galesburg, Illinois, can expect a median salary of $129,520 in 2026, reflecting local economic conditions and a market context where optometric practices have increasingly integrated surgical co-management with ophthalmologists. The projected salary range for this role spans from $75,122 at the 10th percentile to $188,392 at the 90th percentile, offering a tangible view of the earning potential based on various factors such as experience, setting, and additional qualifications. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost variations, illustrating how Galesburg’s optometry field positions itself within broader market trends, even amidst the national median of $140,612.
About the Galesburg Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,122 | $36.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,187 | $50.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,520 | $62.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,255 | $75.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $188,392 | $90.57 |
Median Salary Position
7.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Galesburg
In Galesburg, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,270 (2026 est.). At $129,520, the local median is 7.89% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Galesburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Galesburg Optometrist Pay Compares
Galesburg median: $129,520/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Galesburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,480 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -7.89% less |
Optometrists in Galesburg, IL earn a median of $129,520 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.89% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.10% below the Illinois state average of $136,480.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Galesburg 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.
Galesburg, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $129,520 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $133,388 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,158
2025 BLS Actual
$125,796
2026 Current Est.
$129,520
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Galesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,158 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,737 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,494 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,682 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,458 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,796 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,520 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,353 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Galesburg metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $106,158 (2019) to $125,796 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,353 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,195 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Galesburg 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) | $75,122 – $105,187 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,187 – $129,520 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,520 – $156,255 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,255 – $188,392 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Galesburg
Despite a modest job market with only four optometrists currently employed in Galesburg, the area's cost of living index standing at 97.1 suggests that residents can stretch their income further than in higher-cost regions. Employers that typically offer the highest salaries include ophthalmology practices implementing OD/MD models, due to shared revenue from surgical referrals, as well as established private optometry practices that maintain ownership stakes. Variability in pay often results from elements such as practice ownership equity, the integration of advanced residency training—especially in specialty areas like ocular disease—and the terms offered by private equity-acquired entities. To maximize compensation in this specific market, aspiring optometrists should consider pursuing residency programs and networking within the medical community to potentially elevate their opportunities for higher-paying positions.
More salary data for Galesburg, 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 $125,796 for optometristsin the Galesburg 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 Galesburg 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