Senior Optometrist Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $192,735 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Des Plaines, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $192,735/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Des Plaines's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $198,491 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, senior optometrists in Des Plaines, Illinois, are projected to earn median annual salaries of $131,995, with top earners (P90) potentially reaching $192,735. This high-end compensation illustrates the value placed on extensive experience and specialized skills within the local market, especially when compared to the national top optometrist salary of $140,612. The gap between the median and the top salaries demonstrates an experience premium that significantly rewards those who excel in the field, acquire advanced credentials, and develop a robust patient base. Achieving this level of pay often requires dedication to ongoing education, including residency training in areas such as ocular disease or pediatric optometry, as well as maximizing professional networks within the ophthalmic community.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Plaines
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Des Plaines earn between $158,569 and $192,735 per year (2026 est.). This $116,178 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Plaines median of $131,995 sits 6.13% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Plaines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $131,995 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,569 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $192,735 | $208,165 |
In Des Plaines, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 46.02% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Des Plaines
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $131,995 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Plaines employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Des Plaines command premium compensation, often reaching the $158,569–$192,735 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Plaines metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Des Plaines with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Optometrists in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Optometrist Career & Wage Growth Path in Des Plaines
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Plaines ranks #40 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $192,735).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Des Plaines ($192,735) is 0.8% below the Illinois average P90 ($194,282).
2019 BLS Actual
$179,713
2025 BLS Actual
$187,194
2026 Current Est.
$192,735
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $179,713 | Actual |
| 2020 | $181,296 | Actual |
| 2021 | $178,130 | Actual |
| 2022 | $177,241 | Actual |
| 2023 | $188,972 | Actual |
| 2024 | $188,433 | Actual |
| 2025 | $187,194 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $192,735 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $198,440 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Des Plaines saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $179,713 in 2019 to $187,194 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $198,440 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines 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.
Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Des Plaines
Senior-level optometrists in Des Plaines can position themselves for competitive compensation by pursuing specialties that command higher salaries. Areas such as ocular disease, pediatric optometry, and sports vision are particularly lucrative for experienced practitioners. The type of employer also influences pay; private practices, especially those that are independent or part of an OD/MD model, often provide more significant income opportunities compared to retail optical chains. Advancement can come through leadership roles, such as becoming an associate OD, practice owner, or faculty in residency programs. Furthermore, earning advanced certifications—such as glaucoma certification or credentials in oral pharmaceutical agents—boosts marketability and earning potential in Illinois. Beyond base salaries, other factors, such as equity in practice ownership or revenue sharing in an OD/MD model, offer additional avenues to increase overall compensation for senior optometrists in Des Plaines.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Des Plaines in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Des Plaines?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Des Plaines?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Des Plaines?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Des Plaines?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $187,194 for optometrists in the Des Plaines metro area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Plaines 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