Optometrist Hourly Pay in Janesville, WI: $68.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Janesville, WI runs $68.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,135 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Janesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,885 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Janesville, Wisconsin, is projected to be $68.82, slightly above the national median of $67.60. This competitive rate makes a career in optometry appealing, particularly for part-time professionals, allowing those working three days a week to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while balancing work and personal commitments. Per-diem optometrists, who might be employed in various settings such as private exam rooms or retail optical chains, can expect to earn between $39.92 and $103.02 per hour, reflecting the diversity in experience and job demand. Such flexibility in work arrangements allows optometrists in Janesville to tailor their careers to their preferences, thereby enhancing job satisfaction and performance.
About the Janesville 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) | $39.92 | $319.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.94 | $439.52 |
| Median (P50) | $68.82 | $550.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.19 | $673.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.02 | $824.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Janesville
Based on $68.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.82/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Janesville, WI can expect to earn approximately $143,142 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,582. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Janesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Janesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,752.74 | $11,929 | $143,142 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,651.64 | $7,157 | $85,885 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,101.10 | $4,771 | $57,257 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Janesville) | $68.82 |
| 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 Janesville, WI earn a median of $143,135 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.79% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $148,020.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.82/hr = $85,885/year (purchasing power: $91,954).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,142/year (purchasing power: $153,257).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Janesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Janesville grew 18.5% from $56.41/hr (2019) to $66.84/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.86/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 Janesville 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 Janesville
For those considering part-time or per-diem work options, the earning potential can vary significantly. An optometrist working just 24 hours a week at the stated median rate would bring home approximately $85,000 annually, a strong income relative to state averages. Per diem arrangements can be particularly lucrative, with fill-in professionals commonly billing $500 to $800 per day at retail establishments or $700 to $1,200 at specialty practices. The choice of employer also significantly impacts hourly compensation. Optometrists operating in private practices or retail chains may earn different hourly rates based on benefits offered and the work environment. While some may opt for slightly lower pay to secure benefits like health insurance, others may prefer the higher hourly compensation that comes with independent contracting, where negotiation on pay can be crucial for securing favorable terms. In a city like Janesville, understanding these dynamics is essential for setting realistic earning expectations and making informed career choices.
More salary data for Janesville, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Janesville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Janesville?
Are optometrists in Janesville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Janesville?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Janesville?
Related Pages
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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 Janesville. 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 Janesville 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