Optometrist Salary in Springfield, IL: $135,192 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Springfield, IL earns a median $135,192/year (≈ $65.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Springfield's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $139,230 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an optometrist in Springfield, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $135,192. This local figure is slightly lower than the national average optometrist salary of $140,612, reflecting the area’s unique economic conditions. Salaries in the region present a wide range, with entry-level optometrists earning around $78,411, while experienced professionals can make up to $207,441. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and take into account regional cost adjustments, which are crucial for understanding earnings in a city with a cost-of-living index of 97.1—slightly below the national average. This financial context is important as optometrists consider their practice options in Springfield, whether to align with retail chains, opt for private practice, or work in medical settings alongside ophthalmologists.
About the Springfield Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,411 | $37.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,454 | $51.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,192 | $65.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167,643 | $80.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $207,441 | $99.73 |
Median Salary Position
3.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Springfield
In Springfield, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,030 (2026 est.). At $135,192, the local median is 3.85% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Springfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Springfield Optometrist Pay Compares
Springfield median: $135,192/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Springfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,557 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -3.85% less |
Optometrists in Springfield, IL earn a median of $135,192 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.85% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.00% below the Illinois state average of $136,557.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Springfield 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.
Springfield, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $135,192 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $139,230 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,807
2025 BLS Actual
$131,305
2026 Current Est.
$135,192
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,807 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,499 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,508 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,748 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,777 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,796 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,305 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,192 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,193 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Springfield metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,807 (2019) to $131,305 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,193 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,386 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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) | $78,411 – $107,454 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,454 – $135,192 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,192 – $167,643 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $167,643 – $207,441 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Springfield
Analyzing the local job market reveals that Springfield employs approximately 22 optometrists, indicating a stable but competitive environment. The cost of living allows for a favorable take-home purchasing power, as the relatively low index suggests that salaries can stretch further than in higher-cost areas. Notably, optometrists working in private practices often find higher compensation compared to those in retail chain settings. Factors such as ownership equity, partnering models with ophthalmologists, and further specialization in areas such as ocular disease can significantly influence earnings. Additionally, those with residency training may command a premium in their salary. For aspiring optometrists or those new to the field, focusing on building competencies related to surgical referrals or exploring employment with vision insurance plans, VA medical centers, or military health systems can be effective strategies for maximizing pay within the Springfield market.
More salary data for Springfield, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Springfield?
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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 $131,305 for optometristsin the Springfield 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 Springfield 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