Optometrist Hourly Pay in Mount Prospect, IL: $65.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Mount Prospect, IL runs $65.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,471 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Mount Prospect's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,889 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Mount Prospect, Illinois is projected to be $65.62, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This compensation structure makes part-time work viable for those opting for a schedule of three days per week—essentially allowing these professionals to earn a respectable rate while balancing other commitments. For per-diem optometrists in the area, the potential varies significantly, with a range of working environments including private optometry practices, retail chains, and VA outpatient clinics. Entry-level optometrists in Mount Prospect might see hourly earnings starting at $38.05, while those at the peak of their careers could command rates as high as $95.81, reflecting the demand for skilled practitioners in a field that has expanded its scope of practice over recent years.
About the Mount Prospect 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) | $38.05 | $304.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.04 | $408.30 |
| Median (P50) | $65.62 | $524.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.03 | $632.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.81 | $766.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Prospect
Based on $65.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.62/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Prospect, IL can expect to earn approximately $136,482 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,740. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mount Prospect.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mount Prospect
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,624.66 | $11,374 | $136,482 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,574.79 | $6,824 | $81,889 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,049.86 | $4,549 | $54,593 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Mount Prospect) | $65.62 |
| 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 Mount Prospect, IL earn a median of $136,471 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.94% lower than the national median of $140,612.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.62/hr = $81,889/year (purchasing power: $84,335).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,482/year (purchasing power: $140,558).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Mount Prospect (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Mount Prospect grew 18.5% from $53.78/hr (2019) to $63.73/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.56/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 Mount Prospect 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 Mount Prospect
Beyond the straightforward hourly pay structure, part-time optometrists working in Mount Prospect who limit their hours to three days per week can anticipate a substantial annual income, often exceeding that of many full-time positions. Per diem or agency optometrists frequently find themselves earning daily rates that range from $500 to $800 in retail settings, while those filling in at OD/MD practices might bill anywhere from $700 to $1,200 per day, depending on their specialty and experience level. The employer type also plays a significant role in shaping hourly pay, with private practices and retail chains offering differing benefits packages that can affect overall compensation. Many optometrists may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and other perks when working in corporate environments. Those interested in negotiating their hourly pay should come prepared with industry benchmarks and be aware of the nuances related to benefits versus hourly rates, ensuring they align their career goals with their financial needs in Mount Prospect.
More salary data for Mount Prospect, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Mount Prospect in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Mount Prospect?
Are optometrists in Mount Prospect paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Mount Prospect?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Mount Prospect?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Mount Prospect. 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 Mount Prospect 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