Optometrist Hourly Pay in Bloomington, IL: $65.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Bloomington, IL runs $65.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,669 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Bloomington's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.5, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,005 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bloomington, the median hourly pay for optometrists is $65.71, slightly below the national median of $67.60 per hour. This hourly rate makes optometry an attractive profession for various work arrangements, especially for part-time and per-diem workers in settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail chains, and VA outpatient clinics. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the earning potential can vary significantly, particularly when considering the hourly range—entry-level optometrists can start at around $49.96 per hour, while top earners in the field can reach an impressive $80.30 per hour. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect the competitive nature of the occupation in Bloomington.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49.96 | $399.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.38 | $499.07 |
| Median (P50) | $65.71 | $525.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.30 | $642.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.30 | $642.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bloomington
Based on $65.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.71/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bloomington, IL can expect to earn approximately $136,675 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,851. With a cost-of-living index of 93.54 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bloomington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bloomington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,628.36 | $11,390 | $136,675 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,577.02 | $6,834 | $82,005 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,051.35 | $4,556 | $54,670 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Bloomington) | $65.71 |
| 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 Bloomington, IL earn a median of $136,669 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.80% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $136,533.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.71/hr = $82,005/year (purchasing power: $87,671).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,675/year (purchasing power: $146,119).
CoL index: 93.537 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$62.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+7.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Bloomington grew 1.8% from $62.70/hr (2019) to $63.82/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.65/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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington
Evaluating the financial landscape for optometrists reveals not just the potential for earnings but also the trade-offs involved in different employment scenarios. A part-time optometrist working three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, can still make a substantial income compared to full-time colleagues, though the total annual take-home will be lower. Per diem optometrists can maximize their earnings by billing daily rates that range from $500 to $1,200, depending on their setting and specialization. Those working in private practices, retail optical locations, ophthalmology setups, or under insurance plans will notice varied hourly rates. While some may opt for higher hourly wages, they forfeit benefits like health insurance, which is a crucial consideration. Career negotiation can significantly impact overall compensation—it's advisable for optometrists to weigh benefits against pay, tailoring negotiations to their career goals, whether aiming to secure a stable position or pursuing more flexible, higher-paying opportunities.
More salary data for Bloomington, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Bloomington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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