Optometrists Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $138,510 +2.7% vs national
Median hourly $66.59
10th percentile $54,330
90th percentile $176,590
Employed locally 1,280
National median $134,830

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Optometrists
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Chicago, IL-IN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $54,330
    25th
    $109,200
    50th (median)
    $138,510
    75th
    $160,980
    90th
    $176,590

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Optometrists salary vs area income 156% Median Optometrists salary is 56% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Optometrists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN $176,930
    Asheville, NC $167,980
    Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area $166,920
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $165,870
    Alaska $165,830
    Reno, NV $165,060

    Nearby metros — Optometrists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Asheville, NC $167,980
    Fayetteville, NC $161,820
    Killeen-Temple, TX $160,460
    Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $159,190
    Wilmington, NC $155,760
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $154,450

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $96,480
    Pharmacy Technicians $45,570
    Physicians, All Other $215,680
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $72,920
    Pharmacists $137,610
    Physical Therapists $104,200

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Optometrists make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Optometrists in Chicago, IL-IN is $66.59, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $89.55 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Optometrists salaries?

    The median Optometrists salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 2.7% above the national median of $134,830. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Optometrists in Chicago?

    Entry-level Optometrists (10th percentile) earn around $54,330 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $109,200.