Optometrist Hourly Pay in Addison, IL: $64.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Addison, IL runs $64.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,975 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Addison's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,990 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Addison, IL, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $64.90, slightly trailing the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate is particularly meaningful for those working part-time, as an optometrist on a 3-day-per-week schedule could expect a decent income while enjoying a flexible work arrangement. Per diem work within the profession allows for attractive earning potential, especially in various settings such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and university clinics. The hourly range for optometrists in Addison varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $37.64 and top earners making as much as $93.28. It’s important to note that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, giving potential employees insight into their financial prospects in the local job market.
About the Addison Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.64 | $301.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.01 | $416.04 |
| Median (P50) | $64.90 | $519.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.61 | $620.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.28 | $746.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Addison
Based on $64.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.90/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Addison, IL can expect to earn approximately $134,983 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,875. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Addison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Addison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,595.83 | $11,249 | $134,983 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,557.50 | $6,749 | $80,990 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,038.33 | $4,499 | $53,993 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Addison) | $64.90 |
| Dentist, General (National Avg) | $79.54 |
| Pharmacist (National Avg) | $66.51 |
| Opticians, Dispensing (National Avg) | $21.11 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Optometrists in Addison, IL earn a median of $134,975 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.01% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.10% below the Illinois state average of $136,477.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.90/hr = $80,990/year (purchasing power: $83,409).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,983/year (purchasing power: $139,014).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Addison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Addison grew 18.5% from $53.19/hr (2019) to $63.03/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.82/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem optometrists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Addison 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.
Working as an Hourly Optometrist in Addison
Part-time optometrists in Addison, working three days a week, could see an annual income of approximately $101,184, based on a schedule of 24 hours weekly. This contrasts sharply with full-time colleagues, who would earn significantly more. Per diem optometrists, however, can capitalize on the flexible filling-in positions across various environments, often billing between $500 and $800 per day at retail locations, and $700 to $1,200 for OD/MD practices. Those with residency training in ocular disease can expect to earn $90 to $130 per hour in hospital settings. Hourly pay fluctuates by employer type; private practices may offer lower rates but include benefits, while retail chains and VA medical centers often provide higher compensations with fewer perks. Optometrists must consider the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and a comprehensive compensation package that includes health insurance. For those negotiating their pay, understanding the above dynamics can lead to favorable outcomes when discussing rates, whether for full-time or per diem roles in Addison.
More salary data for Addison, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Addison in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Addison?
Are optometrists in Addison paid hourly or salary?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for optometrists in Addison. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Addison 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