Optometrist Hourly Pay in Oak Park, IL: $65.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Oak Park, IL runs $65.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,542 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Oak Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,324 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Park, IL, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $65.16 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $67.60 per hour. This rate reflects the dynamics between full-time roles and part-time or per-diem positions, appealing to professionals seeking flexibility in their work schedules. For example, a part-time optometrist working three days a week could expect to earn approximately $63,000 annually, providing a solid income while allowing for a balanced lifestyle. For those considering a per-diem role, rates can vary significantly depending on the practice setting, with entry-level positions starting around $37.80 per hour and top earners reaching as high as $94.43. Such flexibility is often beneficial for optometrists working in diverse environments, including private practices, retail optical chains, VA outpatient clinics, and academic institutions.
About the Oak Park 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) | $37.80 | $302.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.06 | $432.51 |
| Median (P50) | $65.16 | $521.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.85 | $622.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.43 | $755.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Park
Based on $65.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.16/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Park, IL can expect to earn approximately $135,540 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,196. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,606.54 | $11,295 | $135,540 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,563.92 | $6,777 | $81,324 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,042.61 | $4,518 | $54,216 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Oak Park) | $65.16 |
| 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 Oak Park, IL earn a median of $135,542 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.61% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% below the Illinois state average of $136,497.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.16/hr = $81,324/year (purchasing power: $83,753).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,540/year (purchasing power: $139,588).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Oak Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Oak Park grew 18.5% from $53.41/hr (2019) to $63.29/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.09/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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park
Focusing on the earning potential, a part-time optometrist at 24 hours per week could achieve an annual gross income of around $63,679, which descends when compared to full-time earnings. Per-diem optometrists often realize higher daily rates; for instance, working at retail chains can yield between $500 and $800 per day, while fill-in optometrists in OD/MD practices might command between $700 and $1,200. Moreover, residency-trained ocular disease specialists in hospital settings frequently earn between $90 and $130 per hour, showcasing a lucrative path for those with advanced training. Hourly pay in Oak Park varies widely based on employment type, with private practices and optical chains providing differing benefits. Due to the trade-offs between immediate hourly compensation and long-term benefits such as health insurance, optometrists must skillfully negotiate their contracts, emphasizing their qualifications, industry experience, and the growing scope of practice to reach favorable agreements.
More salary data for Oak Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Oak Park in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Oak Park?
Are optometrists in Oak Park paid hourly or salary?
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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 Oak Park. 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 Oak Park 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