Optometrist Hourly Pay in Palatine, IL: $65.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Palatine, IL runs $65.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,807 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Palatine's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,082 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Palatine, Illinois, the optometrist hourly rate is projected to be $65.77 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $67.60. This rate reflects the compensation for optometrists in various settings such as private optometry exam rooms, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics. For part-time workers, like those who might schedule three days a week, this equates to a substantial yet variable income, allowing for considerable flexibility in work-life balance. At the lower end of the pay spectrum, entry-level optometrists can expect hourly rates around $38.15, while those at the higher end can earn up to $96.55, reflecting a diverse earning potential that scales with experience and specialization. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary projections, providing a practical view for those considering a career or side opportunities in optometry in the Palatine area.
About the Palatine 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) | $38.15 | $305.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.36 | $410.85 |
| Median (P50) | $65.77 | $526.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.32 | $634.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.55 | $772.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palatine
Based on $65.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.77/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palatine, IL can expect to earn approximately $136,803 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,925. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Palatine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palatine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,630.83 | $11,400 | $136,803 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,578.50 | $6,840 | $82,082 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,052.33 | $4,560 | $54,721 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Palatine) | $65.77 |
| 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 Palatine, IL earn a median of $136,807 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.71% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.20% above the Illinois state average of $136,534.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.77/hr = $82,082/year (purchasing power: $84,533).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,803/year (purchasing power: $140,889).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Palatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Palatine grew 18.5% from $53.91/hr (2019) to $63.88/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.72/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 Palatine 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 Palatine
Examining part-time income streams such as a three-day workweek reveals compelling opportunities for optometrists aiming to maintain a work-life balance. For an optometrist working 24 hours weekly, the annual income translates to approximately $81,536, while full-time roles lead to significantly higher total earnings. The per diem optometrist pay in Palatine also varies widely; professionals filling in at retail chains might charge between $500 and $800 for a day's work, significantly boosting their short-term income. Positions in ophthalmology practices can offer higher daily rates, ranging from $700 to $1,200, particularly for residency-trained optometrists focusing on complex ocular health. The employer type influences hourly rates, with private practices often providing benefits but lower pay compared to retail chains or locum tenens positions, which may lack benefits but offer higher hourly compensation. Effective negotiation strategies can benefit those in the field; understanding market rates and expressing the value of specialized training, particularly in an expanding scope of practice, can make a notable difference in compensation discussions for optometrists in Palatine.
More salary data for Palatine, 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 Palatine. 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 Palatine 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