📍 Illinois⏱ Programs from 1 to 12 months📈 Steady demand across the United States

Optometric Assistant salary in Illinois

A strong career option in Illinois — with programs that take 1 to 12 months to complete.

Median pay · May 2025

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

$47,100/ yr

$3,925 / mo · $22.64 / hr

Pay by experience

Entry

$36,192

Median

$47,100

Experienced

$60,486

Demand

Moderate

Program length

1 to 12 months

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Job demand & outlook

Steady demand across the United States

Moderate demand

Source: BLS Employment Projections

Where this career can take you

A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step

  • State Certificate$50,559
  • Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
  • Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
  • Associate Degree$80,408

Is this career change worth it?

A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain

What it typically costs

  • Average training cost—
  • Time to complete1 to 12 months
  • Credential earned—

What you get back

  • Starting salary$36,192
  • Median salary$47,100
  • Experienced salary$60,486

Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.

How to become an Optometric Assistant in Illinois

A clear path from where you are to where you want to be

1

Find an Optometric Assistant program in Illinois

Browse certified training programs. Most Optometric Assistant tracks complete in 1 to 12 months.

2

Earn your certification

Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in Illinois.

3

Get hired in Illinois

With roughly thousands of Optometric Assistant openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Illinois.

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Frequently asked questions

The median salary for an Optometric Assistant in Illinois is $47,100 per year, which is $22.64 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $36,192 while experienced Optometric Assistants can earn up to $60,486 annually.

Next step

Find Optometric Assistant Classes Near You

Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Optometric Assistant classes in your area.

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