Optometrist Hourly Pay in Champaign, IL: $66.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Champaign, IL runs $66.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,521 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Champaign's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,506 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Champaign, Illinois, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $66.11, positioning them slightly below the national median of $67.60. This wage indicates a solid income potential for those entering the field as well as for seasoned professionals. For part-time optometrists working three days a week, or for per-diem workers, this hourly pay translates to a viable earning option by filling positions in various settings, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and hospital clinics. The hourly rate ranges from about $38.34 for entry-level positions to $97.58 for top earners. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates and reflect the unique economic conditions of Champaign, where the cost of living index is slightly below the national average.
About the Champaign 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) | $38.34 | $306.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.05 | $416.37 |
| Median (P50) | $66.11 | $528.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.25 | $641.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.58 | $780.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Champaign
Based on $66.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.11/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Champaign, IL can expect to earn approximately $137,510 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,333. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Champaign.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Champaign
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,644.42 | $11,459 | $137,510 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,586.65 | $6,876 | $82,506 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,057.77 | $4,584 | $55,004 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Champaign) | $66.11 |
| 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 Champaign, IL earn a median of $137,521 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.20% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% above the Illinois state average of $136,565.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.11/hr = $82,506/year (purchasing power: $84,970).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,510/year (purchasing power: $141,617).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Champaign (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Champaign grew 18.5% from $54.19/hr (2019) to $64.21/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.07/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 Champaign 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 Champaign
Considering the earnings realistically, a part-time optometrist in Champaign working 24 hours a week can still make a substantial income, though it pales in comparison to full-time salaries. Per diem optometrists in the area often bill between $500 to $800 per day in retail settings, while positions in more specialized settings, such as OD/MD practices, can yield earnings from $700 to $1,200 daily. The variation in hourly rates across different employer types highlights the trade-offs many optometrists face; while some prioritize comprehensive health benefits that come with lower hourly rates, others may opt for higher hourly compensation without those benefits. Negotiation strategies are crucial in securing favorable terms, particularly for those looking to work in Champaign’s competitive medical landscape. Understanding local market conditions and employer specifics can significantly influence compensation negotiations and overall career satisfaction.
More salary data for Champaign, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Champaign in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Champaign?
Are optometrists in Champaign 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 Champaign. 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 Champaign 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