Optometrist Hourly Pay in La Crosse, WI: $87.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in La Crosse, WI runs $87.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $181,014 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against La Crosse's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $94.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $108,603 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In La Crosse, Wisconsin, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $87.02 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $67.60. This competitive hourly rate presents various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem optometrists working in diverse settings such as private exam rooms, retail optical chains, and university clinics. Part-time professionals working three days a week can find themselves earning a solid income, with entry-level positions typically starting at $54.71 and top earners making upwards of $110.95 per hour. The data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that these hourly rates reflect the continued demand for optometric services and an increase in the scope of practice, including advanced treatments for conditions like glaucoma.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54.71 | $437.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.86 | $518.92 |
| Median (P50) | $87.02 | $696.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.50 | $780.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110.95 | $887.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Crosse
Based on $87.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $87.02/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Crosse, WI can expect to earn approximately $181,005 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $104,426. With a cost-of-living index of 91.77 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in La Crosse.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Crosse
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,480.87 | $15,084 | $181,005 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,088.52 | $9,050 | $108,603 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,392.35 | $6,034 | $72,402 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (La Crosse) | $87.02 |
| 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 La Crosse, WI earn a median of $181,014 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.73% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 22.30% above the Wisconsin state average of $148,008.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $87.02/hr = $108,603/year (purchasing power: $118,344).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $181,005/year (purchasing power: $197,240).
CoL index: 91.769 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$71.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$84.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$87.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in La Crosse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $73.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $76.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $81.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $85.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $84.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in La Crosse grew 18.5% from $71.33/hr (2019) to $84.52/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $89.60/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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse
For those considering part-time positions, working as an optometrist three days a week could yield substantial annual earnings, although significantly less than full-time counterparts. Per diem optometrists in La Crosse often command impressive day rates; for instance, those filling in at retail locations may charge between $500 and $800 daily, while those in OD/MD practices can earn from $700 to $1,200 per day. Residency-trained ocular disease specialists at hospitals may earn $90 to $130 per hour on a 1099 basis. Hourly pay can vary notably by employer type in La Crosse, where private practices, retail chains, and government facilities each present unique compensation structures and benefits. Some optometrists may choose lower hourly rates that come with health insurance benefits, while others prefer the higher rates available through per diem work despite lacking those additional perks. Negotiation tactics become critical in securing the preferred working arrangement, emphasizing the value of local market knowledge and flexible schedules that align with personal and professional goals.
More salary data for La Crosse, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in La Crosse in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in La Crosse?
Are optometrists in La Crosse paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in La Crosse?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in La Crosse?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 La Crosse. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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