Optometrist Salary in Schaumburg, IL: $134,082 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Schaumburg, IL earns a median $134,082/year (≈ $64.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Schaumburg's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $138,087 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Schaumburg, Illinois, optometrists can expect a median annual salary of $134,082 in 2026. The salary spectrum reflects significant variability, with earnings ranging from $77,768 at the 10th percentile to $204,450 at the 90th percentile. These figures, established through estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations, highlight the competitive compensation landscape faced by optometrists in the area. Schaumburg's job market is influenced by its scope of practice that includes expanding management capabilities, such as glaucoma and laser treatments, which can lead to higher compensation opportunities for ODs who are well-versed in these areas.
About the Schaumburg Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,768 | $37.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,498 | $52.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,082 | $64.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,540 | $76.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $204,450 | $98.30 |
Median Salary Position
4.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Schaumburg
In Schaumburg, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $126,682 (2026 est.). At $134,082, the local median is 4.64% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Schaumburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Schaumburg Optometrist Pay Compares
Schaumburg median: $134,082/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Schaumburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,539 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.64% less |
Optometrists in Schaumburg, IL earn a median of $134,082 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.64% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $136,539.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Schaumburg 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.
Schaumburg, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $134,082 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,087 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,897
2025 BLS Actual
$130,227
2026 Current Est.
$134,082
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Schaumburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,897 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,567 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,527 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,757 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,736 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,731 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,227 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,082 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,051 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Schaumburg metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,897 (2019) to $130,227 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,051 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,154 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Schaumburg 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) | $77,768 – $109,498 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,498 – $134,082 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,082 – $158,540 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,540 – $204,450 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Schaumburg
The local optometrist job market consists of 13 practitioners, revealing a tight-knit community with potential for growth, especially considering Schaumburg's cost-of-living index at 97.1, which is below the national average. This lower cost of living may enhance the purchasing power of optometrists' salaries. Employers that typically offer higher compensation include private optometry practices, especially those embracing the OD/MD model, which can establish lucrative referral revenue streams. The variance in salaries primarily reflects multiple factors, including practice type, ownership, residency training specifics, and post-acquisition terms from private equity buyouts. Optometrists seeking to maximize their pay in Schaumburg should consider specializing in ocular disease, actively pursuing collaborative roles with ophthalmologists, and leveraging potential opportunities in medical centers or leading optical chains.
More salary data for Schaumburg, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Schaumburg?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Schaumburg?
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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 $130,227 for optometristsin the Schaumburg 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 Schaumburg 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