Optometrist Salary in Hanover Park, IL: $131,225 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hanover Park, IL earns a median $131,225/year (≈ $63.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hanover Park's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $135,144 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For optometrists practicing in Hanover Park, Illinois, the market landscape presents both challenges and opportunities in compensation. Optometrists have a median annual salary of $131,225 in 2026, which falls short compared to the national median of $140,612. However, with a salary range spanning from $78,087 at the 10th percentile to $194,152 at the 90th percentile, there is potential for substantial earnings based on practice settings and individual experience. These figures arise from careful estimates based on 2025 BLS data with regional price adjustments, reflecting the choices between independent practice ownership, employed associate positions, and retail optical chain engagements. In this market, varying modes of practice influence both salary levels and job availability, as Hanover Park's commissioning of 6 optometrists may hint at a competitive environment with limited positions.
About the Hanover Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,087 | $37.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,631 | $52.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,225 | $63.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,556 | $73.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,152 | $93.34 |
Median Salary Position
6.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hanover Park
In Hanover Park, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,065 (2026 est.). At $131,225, the local median is 6.68% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hanover Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hanover Park Optometrist Pay Compares
Hanover Park median: $131,225/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hanover Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,550 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -6.68% less |
Optometrists in Hanover Park, IL earn a median of $131,225 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.68% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.90% below the Illinois state average of $136,550.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hanover Park 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.
Hanover Park, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $131,225 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,144 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,555
2025 BLS Actual
$127,452
2026 Current Est.
$131,225
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hanover Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,555 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,168 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,001 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,205 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,056 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,988 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,452 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,225 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,109 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hanover Park metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $107,555 (2019) to $127,452 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,109 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,554 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hanover Park 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) | $78,087 – $108,631 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,631 – $131,225 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,225 – $152,556 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,556 – $194,152 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hanover Park
Evaluating the economic climate reveals more insights into how optometrist pay in Hanover Park, IL, is influenced by local cost-of-living factors. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, Hanover Park offers a more affordable living environment compared to the national average, creating a favorable situation for retention of earnings. While private practices typically provide higher compensation compared to retail chain jobs, diverse opportunities exist within ophthalmology practices and even vision insurance entities. Variability in pay arises due to numerous factors, including equity stakes in private ownership, the integration of optometrists within OD/MD models, and the implications of specialized residency training. New graduates should consider maximizing their pay by seeking positions with strong mentorship opportunities, engaging further in training around advanced optometric procedures, or exploring options in high-demand settings, which could present lucrative prospects within the community.
More salary data for Hanover Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Hanover Park?
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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 $127,452 for optometristsin the Hanover Park 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 Hanover Park 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