Optometrist Hourly Pay in Buffalo Grove, IL: $64.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Buffalo Grove, IL runs $64.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,044 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Buffalo Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,424 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buffalo Grove, the 2026 optometrist hourly pay stands at $64.44, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $67.60. This median rate suggests a promising earning potential for both part-time and per-diem optometrists in various work settings, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and hospital systems. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, equating to approximately 24 hours, the earning capacity would be substantial, while per-diem workers can often dictate their rates. The hourly range for this profession spans from an entry-level rate of $38.60 to around $95.57 for top earners, reflecting the career's growth potential and variations in opportunity based on experience and specialty.
About the Buffalo Grove 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) | $38.60 | $308.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.59 | $428.73 |
| Median (P50) | $64.44 | $515.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.20 | $601.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.57 | $764.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buffalo Grove
Based on $64.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.44/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buffalo Grove, IL can expect to earn approximately $134,041 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,331. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Buffalo Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buffalo Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,577.71 | $11,170 | $134,041 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,546.62 | $6,702 | $80,424 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,031.08 | $4,468 | $53,616 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Buffalo Grove) | $64.44 |
| 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 Buffalo Grove, IL earn a median of $134,044 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.67% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $136,501.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.44/hr = $80,424/year (purchasing power: $82,826).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,041/year (purchasing power: $138,044).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Buffalo Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Buffalo Grove grew 18.5% from $52.82/hr (2019) to $62.59/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.35/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 Buffalo Grove 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 Buffalo Grove
Examining the part-time earning potential, a 3-day work schedule translates to annual take-home figures significantly lower than full-time counterparts, yet still allows for flexibility in lifestyle choices. Per-diem optometrists can typically charge between $500 and $800 per day in retail chains, while those filling in at OD/MD practices may earn up to $1,200 daily. The hourly pay for residency-trained ocular disease specialists can range from $90 to $130, providing attractive options for those with specialized training. However, opportunities vary widely across employer types—private practices may offer lower hourly wages but provide benefits, while retail chains might tempt optometrists with higher pay but minimal job security or benefits packages. When negotiating hourly pay in Buffalo Grove, it’s wise to consider the total compensation package, including health insurance and other perks, while being prepared to advocate for your value based on market rates and personal credentials.
More salary data for Buffalo Grove, 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 Buffalo Grove. 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 Buffalo Grove 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