Optometrist Salary in Lake in the Hills, IL: $133,535 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Lake in the Hills, IL earns a median $133,535/year (≈ $64.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Lake in the Hills's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $137,523 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake in the Hills, Illinois, the financial outlook for optometrists is promising, with a median annual salary projected at $133,535 for 2026. This figure reflects not only standard compensation but also potential earnings from surgical co-management in partnership with ophthalmologists, a growing trend in the field. Salary estimates indicate a wide range, from $77,451 at the lower end to $197,030 for those with more experience or in high-demand roles. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variances, illustrate how the local market is positioned, especially given the current employment of six optometrists in the area.
About the Lake in the Hills Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,451 | $37.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,246 | $50.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,535 | $64.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,216 | $74.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $197,030 | $94.72 |
Median Salary Position
5.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake in the Hills
In Lake in the Hills, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,579 (2026 est.). At $133,535, the local median is 5.03% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake in the Hills: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake in the Hills Optometrist Pay Compares
Lake in the Hills median: $133,535/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake in the Hills Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,539 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.03% less |
Optometrists in Lake in the Hills, IL earn a median of $133,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.03% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the Illinois state average of $136,539.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake in the Hills 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.
Lake in the Hills, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $133,535 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,523 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,449
2025 BLS Actual
$129,696
2026 Current Est.
$133,535
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lake in the Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,449 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,108 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,044 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,269 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,223 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,205 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,696 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,535 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,488 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake in the Hills metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,449 (2019) to $129,696 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,488 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,039 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake in the Hills 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) | $77,451 – $105,246 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,246 – $133,535 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,535 – $155,216 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,216 – $197,030 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Lake in the Hills
The job market for optometrists in Lake in the Hills benefits from a cost-of-living index of 97.1, which suggests that salaries may stretch further compared to national averages. While private optometry practices and ophthalmology offices tend to offer the highest pay, retail optical chains and vision insurance plans also play significant roles in the employment landscape. Factors such as practice ownership models, partnerships with ophthalmologists, and specialty training contribute to the disparities between lower and higher compensation within the market. Residency training, particularly in ocular disease or in a VA capacity, can also yield a pay advantage. To maximize earning potential, aspiring optometrists might consider pursuing advanced training or partnerships that leverage the OD/MD model, ensuring they can compete effectively within Lake in the Hills' evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Lake in the Hills, 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 $129,696 for optometristsin the Lake in the Hills 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 Lake in the Hills 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