Healthcare Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Optometrist Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median optometrist salary in Rockford, IL is $105,496 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 13.4% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$105,496
vs State Avg
$-16,326
vs National
$-20,094
Cost of Living
82%

Optometrist Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median optometrist salary of $105,496, which is $16,326 below the Illinois state average of $121,822. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $105,496 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $128,654 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Rockford spans from $65,520 at the 10th percentile to $161,280 at the 90th percentile — a $95,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,880, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $149,520. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level optometrist earns around $68,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$107,520
$-20,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,520
$-28,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $65,520
25th Percentile $84,000
Median (50th) $105,496
75th Percentile $132,720
90th Percentile $161,280

Optometrist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$138,149
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$136,893
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$121,822
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$109,263
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Optometrist in Rockford

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Rockford

Browse open optometrist positions in Rockford, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Rockford

How much does a Optometrist make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Rockford, Illinois is $105,496 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $65,520 (10th percentile) to $161,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $105,496, a optometrist in Rockford earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Rockford's median optometrist salary of $105,496 is 13.4% below the Illinois state average of $121,822. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $105,496 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Rockford? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Rockford require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.