Optometrist Salary in Wheeling, IL: $133,281 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Wheeling, IL earns a median $133,281/year (≈ $64.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Wheeling's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $137,262 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected optometrist salary in Wheeling, IL, stands at $133,281, placing it slightly below the national median of $140,612. With a salary range from $78,572 at the lower end (10th percentile) to as high as $196,159 at the upper end (90th percentile), these figures reflect both the local job market dynamics and the competitive healthcare landscape. Drivers of compensation in this area are influenced by the expanded scope of practice that allows optometrists to engage in glaucoma management and prescribe oral medications, thereby enhancing their value in the healthcare system. As Wheeling continues to grow in its healthcare offerings, the demand for optometrists remains steady, creating a stable environment where practitioners can thrive.
About the Wheeling Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,572 | $37.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,891 | $52.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,281 | $64.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,495 | $78.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196,159 | $94.31 |
Median Salary Position
5.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheeling
In Wheeling, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,587 (2026 est.). At $133,281, the local median is 5.21% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheeling: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheeling Optometrist Pay Compares
Wheeling median: $133,281/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheeling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,558 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.21% less |
Optometrists in Wheeling, IL earn a median of $133,281 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.21% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.40% below the Illinois state average of $136,558.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheeling 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.
Wheeling, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $133,281 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,262 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,241
2025 BLS Actual
$129,449
2026 Current Est.
$133,281
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,241 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,895 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,819 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,042 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,985 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,961 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,449 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,281 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,226 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheeling metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,241 (2019) to $129,449 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,226 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,985 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheeling 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) | $78,572 – $109,891 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,891 – $133,281 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,281 – $162,495 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,495 – $196,159 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Wheeling
Currently, there are six optometrists employed in Wheeling, indicating a relatively concentrated market for this profession. The cost-of-living index of 97.1 suggests a lower-than-average living expense, which can positively impact take-home pay for local optometrists. Among local employers, private optometry practices tend to offer better compensation, especially those with innovative care models, while retail optical chains often provide less due to their structure. Variability in optometrist pay in Wheeling can arise from factors such as practice ownership, residency training in ocular disease, and the operational differences between private practices and larger retail chains. For those looking to maximize their earnings in this market, establishing a patient-centric practice model or enhancing their skill set with a residency can position them advantageously in a competitive job environment.
More salary data for Wheeling, 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 $129,449 for optometristsin the Wheeling 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 Wheeling 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