Optometrist Salary in Normal, IL: $132,374 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Normal, IL earns a median $132,374/year (≈ $63.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Normal's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $136,327 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Normal, Illinois, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $132,374. This figure positions the local market about 5.86% below the national median of $140,612. The salary ranges widely, spanning from $76,776 at the 10th percentile up to $194,029 at the 90th percentile, indicating that there are significant disparities in compensation among practitioners in the area. These estimates are informed by 2025 BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and adjusted for regional price parities. The expanding scope of practice in optometry, including the management of glaucoma and the ability to prescribe oral medications, may influence compensation as qualified optometrists seek to leverage these skills within their practices in Normal.
About the Normal Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,776 | $36.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,198 | $49.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,374 | $63.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,469 | $76.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,029 | $93.28 |
Median Salary Position
5.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Normal
In Normal, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,253 (2026 est.). At $132,374, the local median is 5.86% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Normal: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Normal Optometrist Pay Compares
Normal median: $132,374/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Normal Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,468 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.86% less |
Optometrists in Normal, IL earn a median of $132,374 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.86% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $136,468.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Normal 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.
Normal, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $132,374 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,327 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,497
2025 BLS Actual
$128,568
2026 Current Est.
$132,374
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Normal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,497 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,133 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,017 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,231 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,134 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,568 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,374 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,292 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Normal metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $108,497 (2019) to $128,568 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,292 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,795 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Normal 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) | $76,776 – $103,198 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,198 – $132,374 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,374 – $159,469 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,469 – $194,029 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Normal
The local job market shows a modest presence, with just eight optometrists currently employed in Normal. The cost of living index is somewhat favorable at 97.1, which means that while salaries may be lower compared to the national average, the purchasing power could be relatively comfortable. Among employers, private practices typically offer competitive salaries, especially those adopting the optometrist-ophthalmologist model which may include surgical referral revenue shared with MD partners. The variance in pay scales can often be attributed to factors such as practice ownership equity, the complexity of services offered, and the level of residency training, particularly in ocular disease or the VA pathway. To maximize pay in this specific market, optometrists should consider models that enhance revenue through collaborative care, expand their service offerings, and target employment with established practices known for a strong patient base.
More salary data for Normal, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Normal, IL in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Normal?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Normal?
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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 $128,568 for optometristsin the Normal 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 Normal 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