Optometrist Salary in Gurnee, IL: $134,552 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Gurnee, IL earns a median $134,552/year (≈ $64.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Gurnee's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $138,571 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gurnee, Illinois, the projected 2026 median annual salary for optometrists stands at $134,552, slightly below the national median of $140,612. This compensation is reflective of the state's expanding scope of practice, which includes the management of glaucoma, prescription of oral medications, and performance of select laser procedures. Local salary ranges indicate a broad spectrum, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $78,041 and experienced practitioners earning as much as $187,819. These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, taking into account regional cost adjustments, and they provide insight into the local job market dynamics for optometrists working in Gurnee, IL.
About the Gurnee Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,041 | $37.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,307 | $51.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,552 | $64.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,519 | $75.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,819 | $90.30 |
Median Salary Position
4.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gurnee
In Gurnee, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,778 (2026 est.). At $134,552, the local median is 4.31% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Gurnee: You'd be above the median
How Gurnee Optometrist Pay Compares
Gurnee median: $134,552/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gurnee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,601 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.31% less |
Optometrists in Gurnee, IL earn a median of $134,552 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.31% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the Illinois state average of $136,601.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gurnee 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.
Gurnee, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $134,552 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,571 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,283
2025 BLS Actual
$130,684
2026 Current Est.
$134,552
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Gurnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,283 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,962 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,943 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,177 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,177 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,182 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,684 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,552 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,535 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gurnee metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,283 (2019) to $130,684 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,535 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,252 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gurnee 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) | $78,041 – $107,307 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,307 – $134,552 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,552 – $157,519 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,519 – $187,819 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Gurnee
The job market for optometrists in Gurnee features a modest workforce of eight licensed professionals, which may suggest a stable demand for eye care services in the region. With a cost of living index of 97.1, the economic environment offers a favorable context for potential hiring. Employers across various sectors influence pay levels, with private optometry practices often providing higher compensation compared to retail optical chains like LensCrafters or Visionworks. The differences in salary can be attributed to factors such as practice ownership equity, collaborative models with ophthalmologists, and existing employment agreements with larger healthcare organizations. To maximize earnings, optometrists should consider pursuing residency training that specializes in ocular disease, as it can lead to more lucrative positions and provide competitive advantages in high-demand areas like Gurnee, IL. Further, aligning oneself with outpatient surgical centers or private practices focused on comprehensive eye care could enhance both income and professional satisfaction.
More salary data for Gurnee, 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 $130,684 for optometristsin the Gurnee 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 Gurnee 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