Optometrist Hourly Pay in Elmhurst, IL: $62.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Elmhurst, IL runs $62.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,159 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Elmhurst's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $63.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,495 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elmhurst, Illinois, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $62.10, which is slightly lower than the national average of $67.60 per hour. This competitive pay means that part-time optometrists, working around three days a week, can earn noteworthy income, particularly in settings like private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and veteran outpatient clinics. For those considering per-diem work, which is common among optometrists, the earning potential ranges significantly. Elmhurst optometrists can expect to see an hourly pay scale that starts around $36.02 for entry-level professionals and goes up to approximately $87.79 for top earners, reflecting a broad spectrum of expertise and experience. These figures are based on estimates derived from annual salary data and represent a snapshot of 2026 expectations.
About the Elmhurst 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) | $36.02 | $288.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.22 | $401.79 |
| Median (P50) | $62.10 | $496.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.38 | $587.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.79 | $702.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elmhurst
Based on $62.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.10/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elmhurst, IL can expect to earn approximately $129,158 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,514. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elmhurst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elmhurst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,483.81 | $10,763 | $129,158 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,490.28 | $6,458 | $77,495 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $993.52 | $4,305 | $51,663 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Elmhurst) | $62.10 |
| 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 Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $129,159 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.15% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $136,532.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.10/hr = $77,495/year (purchasing power: $79,809).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,158/year (purchasing power: $133,015).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Elmhurst grew 18.5% from $50.89/hr (2019) to $60.31/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.93/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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst
Working part-time as an optometrist in Elmhurst can yield a substantial annual income when calculated for a typical three-day workweek, although full-time roles may offer more stability and benefits. Those in per-diem positions can earn between $500 and $800 per day in retail optical settings, while fill-ins for OD/MD practices command $700-$1,200 per day depending on their specialty, such as hospital systems for residency-trained ocular disease practitioners. Hourly rates also vary significantly based on the type of employer, with private practices and retail chains often offering different remuneration structures. Some optometrists may opt for roles that provide health benefits and a steadier paycheck, even though they come with a comparatively lower hourly rate. When negotiating hourly pay, professionals in Elmhurst should consider the local market dynamics, be aware of their worth based on current trends in optometry scope expansion, including the management of glaucoma and minor surgical procedures, and look for opportunities in both private and retail settings that fit their desired work-life balance.
More salary data for Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst. 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 Elmhurst 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