Optometrist Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $72.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Chicago, IL runs $72.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $149,941 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,959 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chicago, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $72.08, surpassing the national hourly median of $67.60. This competitive rate is advantageous for both full-time and part-time optometrists, who often work in various environments like private practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. With an hourly range from $46.21 for entry-level positions to $92.20 for top earners, this profession offers significant earning potential, making it an appealing choice for those entering the field. Whether working three days a week, a common schedule for many, or taking on per-diem positions, optometrists in Chicago find that this hourly compensation reflects the growing demand for eye care services, as indicated by the official Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2026 projections.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.21 | $369.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.39 | $523.12 |
| Median (P50) | $72.08 | $576.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.48 | $643.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.20 | $737.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $72.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.08/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $149,931 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,499. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,883.29 | $12,494 | $149,931 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,729.98 | $7,497 | $89,959 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,153.32 | $4,998 | $59,972 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Chicago) | $72.08 |
| 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 Chicago, IL earn a median of $149,941 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.63% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 9.80% above the Illinois state average of $136,558.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.08/hr = $89,959/year (purchasing power: $86,837).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $149,931/year (purchasing power: $144,728).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Chicago grew 25.8% from $55.66/hr (2019) to $70.01/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.22/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 Chicago 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 Chicago
Part-time optometrists working a typical three-day week (approximately 24 hours) can expect a net annual income lower than their full-time counterparts, yet their hourly pay remains attractive. Per diem and locum tenens optometrists often command higher daily rates, ranging from $500 to $1,200 depending on their employer and location. In retail environments, for example, fill-in optometrists might charge about $500-$800 daily, while those in clinical settings may see payments on the higher end. Hourly wages can vary significantly based on the type of practice, with private optometry often providing health benefits, which might result in slightly lower hourly rates. Meanwhile, retail optical chains may offer higher pay without benefits. This flexibility allows professionals to negotiate terms based on their needs, whether prioritizing hourly rates or comprehensive health insurance. Aspiring optometrists should consider these factors carefully when assessing their worth in the Chicago market.
More salary data for Chicago, 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 Chicago. 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, 7-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