verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Optometrist Salary in Illinois

Median Annual in Illinois
$145,620/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$70.01/hr
▲ 7% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Illinois

groups Employed in IL
1,540
public U.S. Median
$136,570
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$145,681 #20 of 51

Optometrist pay in Illinois, explained

Optometrists in Illinois earn a median of $145,620 per year ($70.01 per hour), which is 7% above the national median of $136,570. Entry-level workers earn around $93,350, while the most experienced optometrists reach about $190,620. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Illinois.

Is $145,620 good pay in Illinois?

Adjusted for Illinois's cost of living (which runs 100% of the U.S. average), that $145,620 is worth about $145,681 in national buying power — ranking Illinois #20 for real pay (vs #16 on the sticker number).

See the full Optometrist Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Optometrist pay by experience in Illinois

Entry level (10th pct)
$93,350
$44.88/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$145,620
$70.01/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$190,620
$91.64/hr

Optometrist pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs IL
Illinois (here) $145,620 $145,681
Wisconsin $139,720 $148,488 +$5,900
Indiana $135,500 $145,185 +$10,120
Missouri $133,810 $147,340 +$11,810
Kentucky $128,860 $142,925 +$16,760
Iowa $125,380 $142,864 +$20,240

Optometrist in Illinois: FAQ

How much do optometrists make in Illinois?

Optometrists in Illinois earn a median of $145,620 per year ($70.01 per hour), compared with $136,570 nationally.

Does Illinois pay optometrists well?

At $145,620, Illinois pays 7% above the national median for optometrists. An estimated 1,540 work in the state.

Optometrist salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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