Healthcare Illinois (IL) Rank #23 of 50

Optometrist Salary in Illinois

The median optometrist salary in Illinois is $121,822 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $125,590.

Median Salary
$121,822
vs National
$-3,768
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Optometrist Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level optometrist earns around $79,540, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,660 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,540
$-2,460 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,160
$-3,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,660
$-5,340 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $75,660
25th Percentile $97,000
Median (50th) $121,822
75th Percentile $153,260
90th Percentile $186,240

Optometrist Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for optometrists in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Chicago, IL
$136,893
Pop. 2,693,976 · COL 107%
Aurora, IL
$121,822
Pop. 197,757 · COL 95%
Naperville, IL
$138,149
Pop. 149,540 · COL 108%
Rockford, IL
$105,496
Pop. 148,655 · COL 82%
Springfield, IL
$109,263
Pop. 114,394 · COL 85%

How to Become a Optometrist in Illinois

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Illinois has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook in Illinois

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Illinois

Browse open optometrist positions in Illinois:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Illinois

How much does a Optometrist make in Illinois? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Illinois is $121,822 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $75,660 (10th percentile) to $186,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Illinois? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $121,822, a optometrist in Illinois earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for optometrists? ▼
Illinois ranks #23 out of 50 states for optometrist pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level optometrists earn $79,540, while senior professionals earn $172,660.
How does Illinois compare to other states for optometrist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for optometrists is Hawaii at $223,550. Illinois's median of $121,822 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($124,334) and Arizona ($121,822).
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Illinois? ▼
An entry-level optometrist in Illinois earns approximately $79,540 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $124,160. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $172,660.
What city in Illinois pays optometrists the most? ▼
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for optometrists, with a median salary of $138,149. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.