Optometrist Hourly Pay in Normal, IL: $63.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Normal, IL runs $63.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,374 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Normal's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,422 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Normal, Illinois, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $63.64, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This hourly pay structure can be particularly advantageous for those in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, offering flexibility and allowing for a balance between personal interests and professional responsibilities. It's not uncommon for optometrists in settings ranging from independent practices to retail chains to have hourly earnings that vary widely, from $36.91 for entry-level positions to as much as $93.28 for top earners. These figures reflect the diverse practice environments available in Normal, where optometrists might work in private exam rooms, chain store locations, or specialized clinics.
About the Normal 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) | $36.91 | $295.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.62 | $396.93 |
| Median (P50) | $63.64 | $509.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.66 | $613.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.28 | $746.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Normal
Based on $63.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.64/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Normal, IL can expect to earn approximately $132,370 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,367. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Normal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Normal
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,545.58 | $11,031 | $132,370 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,527.35 | $6,619 | $79,422 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,018.23 | $4,412 | $52,948 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Normal) | $63.64 |
| 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 Normal, IL earn a median of $132,374 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.86% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $136,468.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.64/hr = $79,422/year (purchasing power: $81,794).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,370/year (purchasing power: $136,324).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Normal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Normal grew 18.5% from $52.16/hr (2019) to $61.81/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.52/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 Normal 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 Normal
Exploring the part-time potential, those who work around 24 hours a week in Normal could still see substantial annual income, although less than their full-time counterparts. For per-diem optometrists, the earning possibilities rise, with daily billing rates often ranging from $500 to $1,200, depending on the nature of the practice—whether in retail settings or clinical setups. Factors like employer type significantly influence hourly compensation; optometrists at retail optical chains may experience different pay structures compared to those in ophthalmology or VA medical centers. While some may opt for lower hourly rates that include benefits, others might prefer higher pay for jobs that lack such perks. It's advisable for hourly workers in Normal to understand the nuances of compensation structures and benefits negotiation to better align their career goals with their financial expectations.
More salary data for Normal, 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 Normal. 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 Normal 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