Optometrist Hourly Pay in Bolingbrook, IL: $66.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Bolingbrook, IL runs $66.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,845 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Bolingbrook's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,712 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bolingbrook, Illinois, the median hourly pay for optometrists is projected to be $66.28 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This wage allows for substantial earnings potential, especially for part-time optometrists working three days a week. Given the flexibility of part-time schedules, practitioners can complete a workweek totaling around 24 hours while still enjoying a lucrative pay scale. The hourly range for optometrists in the area varies significantly, starting at $38.43 for entry-level positions and reaching as high as $95.88 for the most experienced practitioners. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates and highlight the diversity in pay based on experience and practice setting.
About the Bolingbrook 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) | $38.43 | $307.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.89 | $439.10 |
| Median (P50) | $66.28 | $530.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.08 | $632.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.88 | $767.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bolingbrook
Based on $66.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.28/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bolingbrook, IL can expect to earn approximately $137,853 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,530. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bolingbrook.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bolingbrook
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,651.01 | $11,488 | $137,853 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,590.61 | $6,893 | $82,712 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,060.41 | $4,595 | $55,141 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Bolingbrook) | $66.28 |
| 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 Bolingbrook, IL earn a median of $137,845 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.97% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.00% above the Illinois state average of $136,480.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.28/hr = $82,712/year (purchasing power: $85,182).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,853/year (purchasing power: $141,970).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Bolingbrook (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Bolingbrook grew 18.5% from $54.32/hr (2019) to $64.37/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.24/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 Bolingbrook 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 Bolingbrook
Looking at part-time earning potential, an optometrist working three days a week at 24 hours could take home approximately $82,413 a year, compared to the earnings of full-time counterparts. The per diem landscape for optometrists is quite favorable, as those taking fill-in or temporary assignments can expect per diem optometrist pay in Bolingbrook averaging between $500 to $1,200 per day, depending on the employer type. Hourly rates for optometrists fluctuate based on practice models—private practices, retail chains, and larger medical facilities offer varied compensation, sometimes with a trade-off between benefits and pay rates. Therefore, while some prefer the allure of higher hourly wages, the health insurance and stability provided by full-time positions can be a significant factor in their choices. Engaging in thoughtful negotiations regarding pay is essential in Bolingbrook's local market, as understanding compensation trends can empower optometrists to secure favorable employment agreements tailored to their needs.
More salary data for Bolingbrook, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Bolingbrook in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Bolingbrook?
Are optometrists in Bolingbrook paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Bolingbrook?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Bolingbrook?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Bolingbrook. 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 Bolingbrook 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