SalaryNode

Average Optometrists Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Optometrists in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $137,710. This figure is slightly below the national average of $141,560, indicating a competitive but not premium compensation landscape. Local market dynamics, including demand and the cost of doing business, likely influence this pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $137,710 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $176,590.
  • Outlook: The job market for Optometrists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN appears robust, with a total local workforce of 1,280 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.05 suggests a concentration of optometrists slightly above the national average, implying a stable and potentially growing demand for their services within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$137,710

The average Optometrists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns-2.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$66.2

Weekly

$2,648

Monthly

$11,476

Optometrists Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Salary progression for Optometrists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can expect to earn considerably more, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the salary range. These percentile gaps clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$54,330$26.1
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$103,283$49.7
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$138,510$66.6
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$172,138$82.8
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$176,590$84.9

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$137,710

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$137,710

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary for Optometrists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $137,710, which aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an optometrist's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.

Job Market Context

1,280

Total Jobs

0.286

Per 1K Jobs

1.05

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.05, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Optometrists roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.05, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Optometrists than the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive job market where demand is met by a readily available pool of talent, indicating a balanced environment for both employers seeking skilled professionals and optometrists seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Optometristss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $137,710. This typically ranges from $54,330 for entry-level positions to $176,590 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 2.7% lower than the national median of $141,560.

Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, it offers a competitive salary with an average of $137,710.While slightly below the national average salary, the local cost of living is also at the national average, making the compensation quite competitive. The slightly higher concentration of optometrists indicates a stable job market.

Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Optometrists?

The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the Chicago Optometrist salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Optometrists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $137,710, which is slightly lower than the national average of $141,560.

What is the cost of living for Optometrists in Chicago?

The cost of living index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary's purchasing power is standard.

How concentrated is the Optometrist job market in Chicago?

The job market is slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.05, indicating a healthy presence of optometrists.

What is the total number of Optometrists in the Chicago area?

There are approximately 1,280 Optometrists working within the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,280 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 0.286 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.