Optometrist Salary in Hoffman Estates, IL: $136,029 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hoffman Estates, IL earns a median $136,029/year (≈ $65.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hoffman Estates's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $140,092 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hoffman Estates, the optometrist salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $136,029 in 2026, reflecting local demand and market conditions. The salary range for this profession spans from $78,896 at the 10th percentile to $198,103 at the 90th percentile, illustrating varying degrees of compensation based on factors such as practice ownership and experience. Data derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that these figures have been adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors, creating a localized salary context. While the salary here is slightly below the national median of $140,612, the nuances of employment settings—from private practices to retail optometry chains—play a significant role in the overall earning landscape within the area.
About the Hoffman Estates Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,896 | $37.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,278 | $50.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,029 | $65.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,101 | $78.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198,103 | $95.24 |
Median Salary Position
3.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hoffman Estates
In Hoffman Estates, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,207 (2026 est.). At $136,029, the local median is 3.26% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hoffman Estates: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hoffman Estates Optometrist Pay Compares
Hoffman Estates median: $136,029/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hoffman Estates Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,575 | -0.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -3.26% less |
Optometrists in Hoffman Estates, IL earn a median of $136,029 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.26% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.40% below the Illinois state average of $136,575.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hoffman Estates 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.
Hoffman Estates, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $136,029 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,092 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,493
2025 BLS Actual
$132,118
2026 Current Est.
$136,029
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hoffman Estates (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,493 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,202 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,248 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,496 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,562 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,600 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,118 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,029 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,055 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hoffman Estates metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $111,493 (2019) to $132,118 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,055 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,562 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hoffman Estates 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) | $78,896 – $105,278 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,278 – $136,029 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,029 – $163,101 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,101 – $198,103 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hoffman Estates
With only eight optometrists currently employed in Hoffman Estates, competition remains relatively limited, offering a unique scenario for those seeking opportunities in the field. A cost-of-living index of 97.1 suggests that the financial landscape is more manageable than in many other regions, which could enhance the take-home purchasing power for optometrists in the area. Among local employers, private practices and ophthalmology groups tend to offer the highest remuneration compared to retail chains like LensCrafters or Pearle Vision. The disparity in earnings can be influenced by factors such as ownership stakes, specialized training in ocular disease, and the operational models being used. Optometrists aiming to maximize their pay might consider focusing on expanding their scope of practice, such as incorporating services like glaucoma management or seeking out partnerships with ophthalmic professionals for increased referrals. In a dynamic market like Hoffman Estates, strategic considerations can significantly impact long-term earning potential.
More salary data for Hoffman Estates, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Hoffman Estates, IL in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Hoffman Estates?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Hoffman Estates?
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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 $132,118 for optometristsin the Hoffman Estates 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 Hoffman Estates 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