Optometrist Salary in Woodridge, IL: $134,150 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Woodridge, IL earns a median $134,150/year (≈ $64.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Woodridge's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $138,157 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Woodridge, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $134,150. This figure reflects local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, considering the area's cost of living adjustments. The salary range for optometrists in this region varies greatly, from $77,807 at the 10th percentile to $186,133 at the 90th percentile. With the expansion of the optometric scope of practice to include glaucoma management, oral medications, and certain laser procedures, professionals in this field are well-positioned to command competitive salaries. However, it's vital for candidates to be aware of the local job market dynamics, as the employment landscape is influenced by factors unique to Woodridge.
About the Woodridge Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,807 | $37.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,488 | $51.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,150 | $64.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,666 | $75.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $186,133 | $89.48 |
Median Salary Position
4.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Woodridge
In Woodridge, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,326 (2026 est.). At $134,150, the local median is 4.6% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Woodridge: You'd be above the median
How Woodridge Optometrist Pay Compares
Woodridge median: $134,150/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Woodridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,470 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.60% less |
Optometrists in Woodridge, IL earn a median of $134,150 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.60% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $136,470.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Woodridge 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.
Woodridge, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $134,150 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,157 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,953
2025 BLS Actual
$130,293
2026 Current Est.
$134,150
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Woodridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,953 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,624 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,587 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,818 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,799 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,795 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,293 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,150 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,121 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Woodridge metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,953 (2019) to $130,293 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,121 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,168 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woodridge 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) | $77,807 – $106,488 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,488 – $134,150 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,150 – $156,666 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,666 – $186,133 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Woodridge
Evaluating optometrist pay in Woodridge, IL, reveals a localized job market that employs approximately nine optometrists, reflecting both the competitive nature of this profession and the community's healthcare needs. The cost of living index of 97.1 indicates that living expenses are slightly below the national average, which can enhance take-home purchasing power for practitioners in the area. Employers in Woodridge paying the most are typically private optometry practices, especially those that follow an OD/MD business model, which allows for collaboration with ophthalmologists for surgical referrals and better compensation. Factors contributing to the salary spread include practice ownership equity, the impact of residency training on earning potential, and the employment conditions of formerly independent practices acquired by private equity. To maximize earnings in this market, optometrists should consider gaining specialized training, exploring opportunities within high-paying employers, and negotiating favorable employment terms that align with their professional goals.
More salary data for Woodridge, 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 $130,293 for optometristsin the Woodridge 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 Woodridge 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