Source: SalaryDr salary data for Ophthalmology in Illinois (N=17 verified submissions, updated February 12, 2026, data as of 2026-02-12). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
As of February 12, 2026, an Ophthalmologist in Illinois earns approximately $690,000 per year ($57,500 monthly). Based on an average 47-hour work week, this translates to about $323 per hour. Looking for a broader view? See the Ophthalmologist salary overview or compare nearby states below.
From 17 verified physician salary submissions in Illinois, SalaryDr is seeing total compensation ranging from $670,000 to $700,000, with top performers (90th percentile) earning up to $2,000,000 annually. Compared to the national median of $690,000, Ophthalmologist salaries in Illinois are in line with the national median.
In Illinois, the salary progression for ophthalmologist physicians shows significant growth potential. Entry-level positions start at $655,000, while those with more than 10 years of experience earn a typical salary of $852,636 - a 30% increase.
In Illinois, the most common work environment is Hospital Employed (65% of physicians). On average, base salary accounts for 86% of total compensation—about $671,765—with the remaining amount coming from bonuses, profit sharing, and incentives.
Illinois offers unique advantages for ophthalmologist physicians, including competitive local markets and quality of life benefits. The cost of living in Illinois varies by region within the state.
Local ophthalmologist physicians report 3.9/5 career satisfaction, with 94% of those surveyed saying they would choose this specialty again.
Browse more Ophthalmologist-adjacent fields to compare compensation and career paths.
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Last updated: February 12, 2026
Distribution based on 17 verified physician salary submissions.
Median Salary: $690,000
Average satisfaction rating reported by Ophthalmology physicians (1-5 scale).
Percentage of Ophthalmology physicians who would choose this specialty again.
Physicians cite the variety of cases and patient relationships as most rewarding aspects of this specialty.
On-call demands, administrative burden, and work-life balance are cited as the top challenges.
Average Salary
$782,882
Median Salary
$690,000
Salary Range
$670,000 - $700,000
National Average
$782,882
Difference
+0% vs National Average
Sample Size
17 local / 17 national reports
| Practice Type | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| Academic | $1,131,667 | 3 submissions |
| Private Practice | $876,333 | 3 submissions |
| Hospital-employed | $662,273 | 11 submissions |
* Practice types with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
Compare salary data across different practice settings for Ophthalmology physicians in Illinois:
| Years of Experience | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | $425,000 | 1 submissions |
| 3-5 years | $970,000 | 1 submissions |
| 6-10 years | $627,857 | 7 submissions |
| 11-15 years | $871,429 | 7 submissions |
| 16+ years | $1,419,000 | 1 submissions |
* Experience levels with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
Browse city-level salary data for ophthalmologist physicians in Illinois. Click any city to see detailed compensation information for that location.
See how Ophthalmology salaries in Illinois compare to neighboring states.
| Subspecialty | Average Salary | Sample Size | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oculoplastic | $1,376,875 | 8 submissions | Focuses on specialized oculoplastic procedures and treatments within ophthalmology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Glaucoma | $707,214 | 14 submissions | Focuses on specialized glaucoma procedures and treatments within ophthalmology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Retina | $661,857 | 14 submissions | Focuses on specialized retina procedures and treatments within ophthalmology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Pediatric | $623,917 | 12 submissions | Provides specialized surgical care for infants, children, and adolescents, addressing congenital conditions and childhood diseases. |
| Cornea | $622,417 | 12 submissions | Focuses on specialized cornea procedures and treatments within ophthalmology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
* Subspecialties with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
* Data is aggregated from verified physician submissions.