Optometrist Salary in Quincy, IL: $132,496 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Quincy, IL earns a median $132,496/year (≈ $63.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Quincy's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $136,453 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected compensation for optometrists in Quincy, Illinois, stands at a median annual salary of $132,496, which is slightly below the national average of $140,612. The salary range for this profession in Quincy varies significantly, from $76,847 at the 10th percentile to $193,812 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the field. These salary estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and consider regional economic factors that may influence local pay scales. The potential for optometrists in Quincy, particularly with an expanded scope of practice including glaucoma management and the prescription of oral medications, positions them favorably within the healthcare landscape, despite the competitive nature of the job market.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,847 | $36.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,288 | $52.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,496 | $63.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,511 | $77.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,812 | $93.18 |
Median Salary Position
5.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
In Quincy, IL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,965 (2026 est.). At $132,496, the local median is 5.77% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Quincy: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Quincy Optometrist Pay Compares
Quincy median: $132,496/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Quincy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $136,594 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.77% less |
Optometrists in Quincy, IL earn a median of $132,496 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.77% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $136,594.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Quincy has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Quincy, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $132,496 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,453 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,598
2025 BLS Actual
$128,687
2026 Current Est.
$132,496
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,598 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,236 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,125 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,341 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,249 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,208 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,687 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,496 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,418 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Quincy metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $108,598 (2019) to $128,687 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,418 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,820 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $76,847 – $108,288 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,288 – $132,496 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,496 – $160,511 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,511 – $193,812 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Quincy
As of now, Quincy employs a modest number of six optometrists, indicating a small but established local job market. The cost of living index for Quincy is 97.1, suggesting that living expenses are below the national average, which can enhance purchasing power for optometrists. Employers in the area range from private optometry practices to retail optical chains. Among these, private practices, particularly those with an OD/MD model, tend to offer higher salaries due to potential revenue sharing from referrals and the advantages of ownership equity. To maximize pay in this specific market, optometrists should consider pursuing residency training, as those with specialized backgrounds can command a premium. Additionally, exploring opportunities not just in solo practices but also in collaborative settings with ophthalmologists may align with higher earning potential and job security in Quincy, IL.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $128,687 for optometristsin the Quincy metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov