Optometrist Hourly Pay in Moline, IL: $64.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Moline, IL runs $64.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,057 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Moline's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,028 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moline, Illinois, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $64.93, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60 for 2026. This wage translates into viable earnings for part-time practitioners, particularly those working three days a week or in per-diem roles, which are common in various settings such as private optometry offices, retail chains, and VA outpatient clinics. For entry-level positions, hourly earnings can begin around $37.66, while experienced optometrists can earn up to $90.86 per hour. These estimates reflect data derived from annual salary figures, offering a comprehensive view of the expected compensation landscape for optometrists in Moline, where job security is supplemented by a steady demand for eye care and expanded optometric practices.
About the Moline 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) | $37.66 | $301.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.92 | $415.38 |
| Median (P50) | $64.93 | $519.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.55 | $620.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.86 | $726.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Moline
Based on $64.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.93/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Moline, IL can expect to earn approximately $135,047 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,912. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Moline.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Moline
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,597.06 | $11,254 | $135,047 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,558.24 | $6,752 | $81,028 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,038.83 | $4,502 | $54,019 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Moline) | $64.93 |
| 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 Moline, IL earn a median of $135,057 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.95% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.10% below the Illinois state average of $136,559.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.93/hr = $81,028/year (purchasing power: $83,448).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,047/year (purchasing power: $139,081).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Moline grew 18.5% from $53.22/hr (2019) to $63.06/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.85/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 Moline 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 Moline
When considering part-time opportunities, a three-day workweek (approximately 24 hours) can yield a substantial income, although less than full-time commitment. While per diem optometrists in Moline reportedly charge between $500 and $800 per day at retail chains, those filling roles in specialized settings can earn significantly more, potentially ranging from $700 to $1,200 daily. Hourly rates vary dramatically depending on the type of employer, with private practices offering different compensation structures compared to retail chains or hospital systems. Many optometrists weigh the benefits of stable employment—such as healthcare and retirement options—against potentially higher hourly wages available through temporary or fill-in work. For those looking to negotiate their pay, highlighting the increasing scope of practice—especially with the inclusion of non-residency trained optometrists now eligible for advanced procedures—can bolster efforts to secure a more favorable hourly rate in Moline’s competitive healthcare market.
More salary data for Moline, 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 Moline. 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 Moline 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