Optometrist Hourly Pay in Crystal Lake, IL: $62.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Crystal Lake, IL runs $62.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,017 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Crystal Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,009 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Crystal Lake, Illinois, can expect a median hourly pay of $62.51, reflecting a trend that falls short of the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This pay scale allows for varying employment structures, making it suitable for part-time practitioners who might work about three days a week. For those in retail optical chains, private practices, or VA outpatient clinics, the hourly compensation range spans from $36.25 for entry-level positions to $91.38 for the most experienced optometrists. Given the depth of optometry training, including residencies that may enhance skills in managing glaucoma and utilizing oral medications, professionals in Crystal Lake find opportunities across diverse settings. The hourly figures presented are derived from annual salary data, which provides a foundation for understanding how earnings can fluctuate based on individual experience and practice type.
About the Crystal Lake 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) | $36.25 | $290.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.05 | $408.38 |
| Median (P50) | $62.51 | $500.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.69 | $605.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.38 | $731.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Crystal Lake
Based on $62.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.51/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Crystal Lake, IL can expect to earn approximately $130,015 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,008. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Crystal Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Crystal Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,500.28 | $10,835 | $130,015 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,500.17 | $6,501 | $78,009 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,000.11 | $4,334 | $52,006 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Crystal Lake) | $62.51 |
| 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 Crystal Lake, IL earn a median of $130,017 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.53% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.80% below the Illinois state average of $136,572.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.51/hr = $78,009/year (purchasing power: $80,339).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,015/year (purchasing power: $133,898).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Crystal Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Crystal Lake grew 18.5% from $51.23/hr (2019) to $60.71/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.36/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 Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake
When considering part-time work, optometrists in Crystal Lake operating on a three-day work schedule, approximately 24 hours weekly, could expect to earn around $79,200 annually if maintaining the median hourly rate. In contrast, full-time colleagues typically earn more substantial salaries due to increased hours and patient loads. For per-diem and agency work, optometrists can often command daily rates ranging between $500 and $1,200, depending on employer type and the level of specialization. Private practices generally offer lower hourly wages compared to retail optical chains or ophthalmology practices, where the potential for higher income exists. However, some optometrists might accept positions with lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Negotiating for better hourly rates can be advantageous, especially in a competitive job market such as Crystal Lake, where understanding the local economic conditions and the demand for specific optometric services can provide leverage during discussions.
More salary data for Crystal Lake, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Crystal Lake in 2026?
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Are optometrists in Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake. 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 Crystal Lake 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