Optometrist Salary in Lombard, IL: $132,295 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Lombard, IL earns a median $132,295/year (≈ $63.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Lombard's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $136,246 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lombard, Illinois, optometrists experience a median annual salary of $132,295, which reflects localized estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026. Salary figures range significantly from $76,731 at the 10th percentile to up to $193,128 at the 90th percentile. This compensation is reflective of various practice structures within the area, as optometrists may choose to work as employed associates, own private practices, or operate in retail optical chains. The local job market consists of only eight optometrists, creating competition for a limited number of positions, which can influence both salary and job availability as practices evaluate the economic landscape while considering recruitment strategies.
About the Lombard Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,731 | $36.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,820 | $53.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,295 | $63.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,030 | $76.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,128 | $92.85 |
Median Salary Position
5.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lombard
In Lombard, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,397 (2026 est.). At $132,295, the local median is 5.91% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lombard: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lombard Optometrist Pay Compares
Lombard median: $132,295/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lombard Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,528 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.91% less |
Optometrists in Lombard, IL earn a median of $132,295 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.91% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.10% below the Illinois state average of $136,528.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lombard 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.
Lombard, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $132,295 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,246 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,433
2025 BLS Actual
$128,492
2026 Current Est.
$132,295
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lombard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,433 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,067 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,948 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,161 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,061 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,015 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,492 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,295 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,211 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lombard metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $108,433 (2019) to $128,492 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,211 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,778 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lombard 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) | $76,731 – $110,820 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,820 – $132,295 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,295 – $160,030 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,030 – $193,128 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Lombard
Taking into account Lombard's cost of living index of 97.1, which is below the national average, it is essential for optometrists to evaluate how their earnings translate into purchasing power. Retail optical chains like LensCrafters may offer more competitive salary packages compared to private practices, but they often come with less clinical autonomy. Conversely, those who manage to become partners in private practices or work in a mixed OD/MD model often find greater financial rewards through revenue-sharing from surgical referrals. Since practice ownership and residency training in ocular disease can significantly influence salary, aspiring optometrists in Lombard would benefit from pursuing these avenues to maximize their compensation potential. Additionally, networking with local practices and staying informed about shifts in the healthcare landscape can provide practical benefits during salary negotiations and career advancement.
More salary data for Lombard, 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 $128,492 for optometristsin the Lombard 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 Lombard 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