Optometrist Hourly Pay in Belleville, IL: $62.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Belleville, IL runs $62.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,229 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Belleville's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,137 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Belleville, Illinois, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $62.61 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $67.60. This rate is significant for various employment arrangements in the optometry field, such as part-time positions, which commonly entail working three days a week. Part-time optometrists can anticipate adjusted pay that reflects their schedule, while per-diem roles provide even more flexibility. Entry-level optometrists in Belleville may start around $36.48 per hour, while experienced practitioners can earn as much as $89.35. These figures illustrate a spectrum of earning potential, shaped by experience and job type, and offer insights into compensation for those practicing in private offices, retail environments, or specialized clinics.
About the Belleville 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) | $36.48 | $291.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.25 | $410.03 |
| Median (P50) | $62.61 | $500.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.68 | $597.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.35 | $714.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Belleville
Based on $62.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.61/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Belleville, IL can expect to earn approximately $130,229 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,132. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Belleville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Belleville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,504.40 | $10,852 | $130,229 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,502.64 | $6,511 | $78,137 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,001.76 | $4,341 | $52,092 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Belleville) | $62.61 |
| 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 Belleville, IL earn a median of $130,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.38% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $136,508.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.61/hr = $78,137/year (purchasing power: $80,471).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,229/year (purchasing power: $134,118).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Belleville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Belleville grew 18.5% from $51.32/hr (2019) to $60.81/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.46/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 Belleville 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 Belleville
Considering part-time arrangements, a 3-day work week totaling 24 hours yields an annual income of approximately $78,317 for an optometrist in Belleville, while a full-time optometrist taking home the median hourly pay could see earnings around $130,229 annually. Per diem optometrists in retail environments often command fees ranging from $500 to $800 per day, while those filling in at OD/MD practices may bill higher, between $700 and $1,200 daily. Residency-trained ocular disease optometrists at hospital systems can achieve rates of $90-$130 per hour. The pay structure can differ significantly by employment type, as those in private practices might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others may prefer the higher hourly rates without additional perks. When negotiating pay, particularly in Belleville, it is advisable to establish a clear understanding of the job's benefits versus hourly compensation to make informed career decisions.
More salary data for Belleville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Belleville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Belleville?
Are optometrists in Belleville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Belleville?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Belleville?
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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 Belleville. 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 Belleville 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