Optometrist Hourly Pay in Fond du Lac, WI: $67.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Fond du Lac, WI runs $67.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,127 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Fond du Lac's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,678 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, is projected to reach $67.85, slightly above the national median of $67.60. This competitive pay is significant for those considering part-time or per-diem work. For example, an optometrist working three days a week in this market could expect a substantial take-home pay. The hourly rates vary widely, starting from $39.35 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $96.95 for top earners. These wages reflect estimates derived from annual salary data but play an important role in shaping the expectations for hourly roles in various settings, including private practices, retail optical chains, and outpatient clinics.
About the Fond du Lac Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.35 | $314.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.52 | $444.13 |
| Median (P50) | $67.85 | $542.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.79 | $646.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.95 | $775.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fond du Lac
Based on $67.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.85/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fond du Lac, WI can expect to earn approximately $141,129 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,421. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fond du Lac.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fond du Lac
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,714.03 | $11,761 | $141,129 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,628.42 | $7,056 | $84,678 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,085.61 | $4,704 | $56,452 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Fond du Lac) | $67.85 |
| 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 Fond du Lac, WI earn a median of $141,127 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.37% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $148,087.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.85/hr = $84,678/year (purchasing power: $90,661).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,129/year (purchasing power: $151,102).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Fond du Lac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Fond du Lac grew 18.5% from $55.61/hr (2019) to $65.90/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.86/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 Fond du Lac 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 Fond du Lac
Examining the income potential for part-time optometrists reveals interesting nuances. A practitioner working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate could bring home a considerable annual income. Per-diem optometrists in Fond du Lac may find themselves earning between $500 and $800 per day at retail chains and even higher rates when filling in for OD/MD practices, with potential daily pay ranging up to $1,200. Variations in hourly rates across different employer types are notable, as solo practices and retail chains might not offer the same financial incentives as larger healthcare systems. For many professionals, the decision between a higher hourly rate without benefits versus a lower rate with health insurance can be a challenging trade-off. Optometrists should approach salary negotiations thoughtfully, considering their unique circumstances and the overall job market dynamics in Fond du Lac, but they can leverage their skill set, especially in glaucoma management or residency-trained specializations, to negotiate better terms.
More salary data for Fond du Lac, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Fond du Lac in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Fond du Lac?
Are optometrists in Fond du Lac paid hourly or salary?
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Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Fond du Lac?
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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 Fond du Lac. 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 Fond du Lac 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