Salaries at ICO

At the Illinois College of Optometry, located in Chicago, Illinois, salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by factors such as role, academic rank, years of experience, and specific expertise within the field of optometry. Salaries may also vary based on whether the position is clinical, research-focused, or administrative. While the university does not publicly publish transparent salary bands or detailed compensation data on its official website, general trends in higher education and optometry-specific roles can provide insight into expected earnings. Compensation often aligns with industry standards for specialized healthcare education institutions, factoring in the cost of living in the Chicago area.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is approximately $80,000–$100,000 USD per year, depending on experience and research contributions. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential for growth through tenure track.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is around $100,000–$130,000 USD annually. This role often requires significant teaching experience and a strong publication record.
• Full Professor: Salaries generally fall between $130,000–$160,000 USD per year, with senior faculty potentially earning more based on leadership roles, grants, or clinical responsibilities.
• Clinical Instructor: Typical range is $70,000–$90,000 USD annually, often tied to patient care hours and teaching load rather than research output.
• Administrative Director: Salaries range from $90,000–$120,000 USD per year, influenced by the scope of responsibilities and departmental oversight.

Salaries at the Illinois College of Optometry appear to be competitive within the niche of optometric education, though they may not match the earning potential of private-sector optometry practices. Progression often depends on achieving tenure, securing research funding, or taking on leadership roles. As a private institution, salary benchmarking may not strictly align with public sector standards, and actual figures can vary widely based on individual negotiations and market demand for specialized skills. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, prospective employees are encouraged to consult directly with the university’s human resources department.