Optometrist Salary in Illinois
Based on 2K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$145,620
$70.01/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
+7.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$93K – $191K
2K employed in Illinois
Optometrist salary in Illinois averages $145,620 per year, positioning the state as an attractive market for eye care professionals. This median exceeds the national average by 7 percent, reflecting strong demand for optometry services across Illinois. Currently, approximately 1,540 optometrists work in the state, contributing to a stable and growing healthcare sector.
Several factors influence optometrist compensation in Illinois, including years of experience, practice location, and specialization. Urban centers typically offer higher salaries than rural areas, while optometrists working in private practices may earn differently than those in retail settings or hospitals. Additionally, credentials, patient volume, and local economic conditions all play roles in determining individual earning potential within the state.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $93,350 |
| 25th percentile | $129,310 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $145,620 |
| 75th percentile | $162,650 |
| 90th percentile | $190,620 |
Top-Paying Industries for Optometrist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Optometrists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Optometrists in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $166,410 | 60 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $160,100 | — |
| Retail Trade | $159,250 | 6K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $134,370 | 36K |
| Educational Services | $124,280 | 110 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Optometrist in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $115,590 |
| 2023 | $131,060 |
| 2024 | $136,200 |
| 2025 | $145,620 |
| 2026 (projected) | $154,357 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $115,590 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $131,060 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $136,200 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $145,620 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $154,357 | $144,274 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $129,310 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $145,620 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $162,650 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $190,620 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Optometrist ($145,620 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +255.6% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +200.8% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +97.0% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +77.7% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +68.3% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +42.8% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +35.1% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +15.0% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +7.2% | $75.05/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | -3.4% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | -4.5% | $66.87/hr |
| Veterinarian in IL | $133,580 | -8.3% | $64.22/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Illinois?
- The median salary for optometrists in Illinois is $145,620 per year, or approximately $70 per hour. This is 7.0% higher than the national average, making Illinois a competitive state for optometry professionals.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Illinois?
- Optometrist salaries in Illinois range from $93,350 on the lower end to $190,620 on the higher end, depending on experience, location, and practice type.
How many optometrists are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 1,540 optometrists currently employed in Illinois, representing the current workforce in the state.
Is optometry a well-paying career in Illinois compared to the US?
- Yes, optometry is well-compensated in Illinois with a median salary of $145,620 annually, which exceeds the national average by 7.0%, making it an attractive state for optometry careers.