Optometrist Hourly Pay in Des Plaines, IL: $63.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Des Plaines, IL runs $63.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,995 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Des Plaines's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,191 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Plaines, Illinois, the projected optometrist hourly pay in 2026 is $63.45, which falls below the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate offers considerable potential for flexible work arrangements, whether in part-time roles or per-diem positions. For optometrists working three days a week, this translates into a viable income within various settings—private practices, retail chains, and outpatient clinics alike. Entry-level professionals can expect hourly wages starting around $36.81, while top earners in the field may see compensation reaching up to $92.66. These figures help illustrate the overall market, though they are based on extrapolations from annual salary data.
About the Des Plaines 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) | $36.81 | $294.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.26 | $394.05 |
| Median (P50) | $63.45 | $507.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.23 | $609.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.66 | $741.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Plaines
Based on $63.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.45/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Plaines, IL can expect to earn approximately $131,985 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,145. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Plaines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Plaines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,538.17 | $10,999 | $131,985 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,522.90 | $6,599 | $79,191 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,015.27 | $4,399 | $52,794 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Des Plaines) | $63.45 |
| 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 Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $131,995 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.13% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $136,499.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.45/hr = $79,191/year (purchasing power: $81,556).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,985/year (purchasing power: $135,927).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Des Plaines grew 18.5% from $52.01/hr (2019) to $61.63/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.33/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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
Exploring part-time earning potentials reveals that an optometrist working 24 hours per week might take home a competitive annual income compared to full-timers. Per-diem optometrists often see rates between $500-$800 per day in retail settings, while those filling in at OD/MD practices can earn as much as $1,200 for a day's work. In Des Plaines, hourly compensation can vary significantly depending on the employment type, with private practices typically offering lower pay but additional benefits like health insurance, while retail optical chains and private equity-owned practices may prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. This dynamic creates a trade-off that many optometrists must consider. Whether negotiating terms or seeking opportunities, being informed about the local market and employer type remains crucial for securing the best optometrist hourly rate in IL.
More salary data for Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines. 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 Des Plaines 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