Optometrist Salary in Tinley Park, IL: $134,807 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Tinley Park, IL earns a median $134,807/year (≈ $64.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Tinley Park's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $138,833 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, optometrists practicing in Tinley Park, Illinois, have a median annual salary estimated at $134,807, which reflects a slight decrease of 4.13% compared to the national median of $140,612 for the same year. The annual salary range for optometrists in this area spans from $78,657 at the 10th percentile to $202,449 at the 90th percentile. This salary structure is informed by local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, which accounts for cost of living adjustments specific to Tinley Park. With the scope of practice for optometrists in Illinois allowing for the management of glaucoma, the prescription of oral medications, and certain laser procedures, the demand for their specialized services is poised to shape compensation expectations in this market.
About the Tinley Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,657 | $37.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,958 | $53.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,807 | $64.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $165,311 | $79.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $202,449 | $97.33 |
Median Salary Position
4.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tinley Park
In Tinley Park, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,792 (2026 est.). At $134,807, the local median is 4.13% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tinley Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tinley Park Optometrist Pay Compares
Tinley Park median: $134,807/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tinley Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,582 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.13% less |
Optometrists in Tinley Park, IL earn a median of $134,807 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.13% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $136,582.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tinley Park 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.
Tinley Park, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $134,807 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,833 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,491
2025 BLS Actual
$130,931
2026 Current Est.
$134,807
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Tinley Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,491 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,176 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,168 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,404 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,415 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,426 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,931 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,807 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,797 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tinley Park metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,491 (2019) to $130,931 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,797 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,306 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tinley Park 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) | $78,657 – $110,958 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,958 – $134,807 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,807 – $165,311 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $165,311 – $202,449 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Tinley Park
Currently, Tinley Park employs eight optometrists, reflecting a solid demand for eye care professionals. The cost of living index stands at 97.1, which is slightly below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further than in areas with a higher cost of living. Notably, private optometry practices—both solo and group—tend to offer more competitive compensation compared to retail optical chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision, particularly for those with residency training in ocular disease. Variations in earnings can be attributed to factors such as ownership structures, the operating model (like partnering with ophthalmologists), and the impact of private equity on practice acquisitions. For those looking to maximize their earnings, specializing in high-demand areas such as ocular disease or pursuing advanced residency training can significantly enhance their marketability and pay potential in Tinley Park, IL.
More salary data for Tinley Park, 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 $130,931 for optometristsin the Tinley Park 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 Tinley Park 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