Optometrists pay in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL), the median pay for optometrists is $70.01 an hour ($145,630 a year). About 1,160 people work in this job there.
That is 7% higher than the U.S. median ($136,570). It is about the same as the Illinois median ($145,620).
Pay range for optometrists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $44.88 | $93,350 |
| 25% of workers | $63.51 | $132,090 |
| Half of workers (median) | $70.01 | $145,630 |
| 75% of workers | $78.17 | $162,590 |
| 90% of workers | $89.55 | $186,250 |
Optometrists pay in Illinois metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Peoria | $166,600 | 50 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (this page) | $145,630 | 1,160 |
| Bloomington | $132,740 | 40 |
Illinois unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for optometrists
- Typical education to start: Doctoral or professional degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: None (O*NET)
- Job outlook: +9.5% over ten years, much faster than average · about 2,000 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Physicians, All Other | $94,820 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | $50,010 |
| Chiropractors | $72,440 |
| Registered Nurses | $100,490 |
| Pharmacists | $140,880 |
| Physical Therapists | $105,720 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | $98,490 |
| Occupational Therapists | $99,860 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.