Optometrist Hourly Pay in Cicero, IL: $63.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Cicero, IL runs $63.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,157 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Cicero's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,294 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Cicero, IL, earn a median hourly rate of $63.54, which falls slightly below the national median of $67.60. This rate is indicative of the earning potential for optometrists working in various settings, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. For part-time professionals, such as those who work three days a week, the compensation allows for a reasonable work-life balance while still securing a respectable income. In terms of the overall hourly wage range, entry-level optometrists may earn around $36.85, while experienced professionals at the higher end of the spectrum can make up to $92.93. These figures provide a comprehensive look at the expected hourly earnings while reflecting the data derived from projected annual salary estimates for 2026.
About the Cicero 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) | $36.85 | $294.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.80 | $406.40 |
| Median (P50) | $63.54 | $508.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.42 | $611.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.93 | $743.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cicero
Based on $63.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.54/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cicero, IL can expect to earn approximately $132,156 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,244. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cicero.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cicero
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,541.46 | $11,013 | $132,156 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,524.88 | $6,608 | $79,294 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,016.59 | $4,405 | $52,862 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Cicero) | $63.54 |
| 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 Cicero, IL earn a median of $132,157 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.01% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.20% below the Illinois state average of $136,526.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.54/hr = $79,294/year (purchasing power: $81,662).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,156/year (purchasing power: $136,103).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Cicero grew 18.5% from $52.08/hr (2019) to $61.71/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.42/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 Cicero 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 Cicero
Considering part-time opportunities, an optometrist in Cicero working just three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could earn around $78,654 annually, while full-time practitioners can significantly increase their income potential. For per-diem positions, optometrists often command higher daily rates; filling in at retail chains, practitioners might see earnings between $500 and $800 per day, with private practices paying $700 to $1,200 depending on the complexity of the cases and location. Meanwhile, residency-trained optometrists specializing in ocular disease can earn between $90 and $130 per hour at hospital systems. Hourly rates are influenced by employer types — solo private practices may offer lower wages compared to larger optical chains or VA facilities, where benefits often offset slightly lower hourly rates. Negotiating salaries in Cicero requires an understanding of these variables; some optometrists may choose to prioritize benefits over higher hourly wages, especially when health insurance and retirement plans become paramount in their decision-making.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Cicero in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Cicero?
Are optometrists in Cicero 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 Cicero. 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 Cicero 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