HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Optometrist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$211,375/yr
Typical range: $198,097 – $233,438
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $115,596 | $9,633 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $142,018 | $11,835 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $157,431 | $13,119 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $174,385 | $14,532 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $211,375 | $17,615 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $243,082 | $20,257 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $251,008 | $20,917 | +117% |
Current Salary
$211,375
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $102/hr
Next Level Target
$243,082
Principal · 14
+$32Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
37/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Optometrist salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Optometrists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $211K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Optometrist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $211K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $102/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Optometrist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Optometrist in Chicago, IL earns $198K–$233K/yr.