Optometrist Salary in Park Ridge, IL: $131,278 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Park Ridge, IL earns a median $131,278/year (≈ $63.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Park Ridge's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $135,199 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median salary for optometrists in Park Ridge, Illinois, is estimated at $131,278, which is approximately 6.64% below the national median of $140,612. This discrepancy can be attributed to the interplay of local market dynamics, including the limited number of employed optometrists in the area, which stands at seven. The salary range extends from $78,205 at the 10th percentile to $189,687 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant variation in earnings based on factors such as clinical expertise, practice model, and patient demographics. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost of living, underscore the unique economic landscape of Park Ridge, which influences compensation levels, placing emphasis on surgical co-management opportunities that generate additional revenue for optometrists.
About the Park Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,205 | $37.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,739 | $52.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,278 | $63.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,680 | $73.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $189,687 | $91.19 |
Median Salary Position
6.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Park Ridge
In Park Ridge, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $111,482 (2026 est.). At $131,278, the local median is 6.64% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Park Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Park Ridge Optometrist Pay Compares
Park Ridge median: $131,278/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Park Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,464 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -6.64% less |
Optometrists in Park Ridge, IL earn a median of $131,278 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.64% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $136,464.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Park Ridge 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.
Park Ridge, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $131,278 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,199 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,599
2025 BLS Actual
$127,504
2026 Current Est.
$131,278
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Park Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,599 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,213 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,049 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,253 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,107 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,039 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,504 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,278 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,164 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Park Ridge metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $107,599 (2019) to $127,504 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,164 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,565 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Park Ridge 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) | $78,205 – $108,739 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,739 – $131,278 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,278 – $152,680 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,680 – $189,687 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Park Ridge
As for the local job market, Park Ridge presents a relatively tight employment scenario with only seven practicing optometrists, contributing to opportunities for competitive compensation for higher-skilled professionals. With a cost-of-living index at 97.1, the financial landscape suggests that while salaries may be slightly lower than the national average, the actual purchasing power remains viable for those working in this area. Optometrists affiliated with ophthalmology practices that utilize an OD/MD model often see the highest pay due to shared surgical referral revenue. Additionally, those who have completed residency training, particularly in ocular disease, tend to rank higher in compensation. To enhance earnings, individuals may consider aligning with affluent patient populations, pursuing additional certifications, or exploring ownership positions in private practices, thereby tapping into both the vision insurance market and the growth opportunities offered by the expanding scope of practice in optometry.
More salary data for Park Ridge, 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 $127,504 for optometristsin the Park Ridge 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 Park Ridge 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