Optometrist Hourly Pay in Lombard, IL: $63.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Lombard, IL runs $63.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,295 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Lombard's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,384 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lombard, Illinois, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to reach $63.61 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $67.60. This rate offers an appealing opportunity for part-time or per-diem optometrists, who can work in diverse environments including independent practices, retail chains, and healthcare facilities such as VA outpatient clinics. For those working three days a week, their earnings can be substantial, and the hourly pay reflects the range from entry-level employees at approximately $36.89 to seasoned professionals earning up to $92.85 on an hourly basis. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, provide a valuable insight into potential earnings in Lomard's optometry field.
About the Lombard 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) | $36.89 | $295.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.28 | $426.25 |
| Median (P50) | $63.61 | $508.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.94 | $615.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.85 | $742.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lombard
Based on $63.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.61/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lombard, IL can expect to earn approximately $132,306 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,330. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lombard.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lombard
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,544.35 | $11,026 | $132,306 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,526.61 | $6,615 | $79,384 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,017.74 | $4,410 | $52,922 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Lombard) | $63.61 |
| 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 Lombard, IL earn a median of $132,295 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.91% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.10% below the Illinois state average of $136,528.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.61/hr = $79,384/year (purchasing power: $81,755).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,306/year (purchasing power: $136,258).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Lombard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Lombard grew 18.5% from $52.14/hr (2019) to $61.78/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.49/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 Lombard 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 Lombard
For those considering a part-time role, working for just three days each week, an optometrist might see their yearly earnings diminish compared to full-time counterparts. Typically, per diem optometrists in Lombard can command day rates ranging from $500 to $1,200, depending on their workplace settings. Those filling roles at retail optical chains usually earn the lower end of this spectrum, while locum tenens positions often pay a premium. The choice between various employer types—private practices, retail optical chains like LensCrafters, or ophthalmic groups—affects hourly compensation and benefits. While some optometrists might opt for higher pay without health benefits, others prefer the stability and security that comes with lower hourly rates but essential health coverage. Negotiating terms effectively can lead to improved pay rates or additional benefits, important elements for those working in Lombard’s healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Lombard, 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 Lombard. 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 Lombard 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