HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Optometrist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$107,856/yr
Typical range: $108,998 – $128,444
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Optometrist salary by experience level in Chicago
Optometrist Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $107,856 | $8,988 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $132,509 | $11,042 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $146,890 | $12,241 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $162,708 | $13,559 | +51% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $197,222 | $16,435 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $226,806 | $18,901 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $234,202 | $19,517 | +117% |
Current Salary
$107,856
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $52/hr
Next Level Target
$132,509
Junior · 2
+$25Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
37/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Optometrist salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Optometrists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $108K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Optometrist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $108K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $52/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Optometrist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Optometrist in Chicago, IL earns $185K–$218K/yr.