Optometrist Hourly Pay in Middleton, WI: $65.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Middleton, WI runs $65.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,851 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Middleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,108 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middleton, Wisconsin, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $65.79, slightly below the national median of $67.60 per hour. This wage reflects the demands of the profession and can significantly impact part-time practitioners or per-diem workers. For example, an optometrist working three days a week might expect to take home a substantial income despite fewer hours worked, allowing for a better work/life balance. The hourly pay range for optometrists in this area varies considerably, from around $39.59 for entry-level positions to $93.44 for top earners, providing a diverse landscape for professionals in private optometry practices, retail chains, and clinics, with median figures derived from annual salary estimates.
About the Middleton 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) | $39.59 | $316.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.73 | $437.87 |
| Median (P50) | $65.79 | $526.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.57 | $628.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.44 | $747.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middleton
Based on $65.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.79/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middleton, WI can expect to earn approximately $136,846 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,950. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Middleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,631.66 | $11,404 | $136,846 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,578.99 | $6,842 | $82,108 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,052.66 | $4,562 | $54,738 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Middleton) | $65.79 |
| 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 Middleton, WI earn a median of $136,851 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.67% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $147,947.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.79/hr = $82,108/year (purchasing power: $87,910).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,846/year (purchasing power: $146,516).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Middleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Middleton grew 18.5% from $53.92/hr (2019) to $63.90/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.74/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 Middleton 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 Middleton
Part-time optometrists in Middleton can expect varying annual earnings depending on their hours and employer type. For those working 24 hours a week, such as in private practice, they could earn a competitive annual income without the full-time commitment. Moreover, per diem optometrists can command impressive daily rates, billing between $500 and $800 at retail chains, and even higher rates in OD/MD practices or hospital settings, where experienced professionals can earn $90-$130 per hour. Employers across Middleton offer different pay scales; private practices may provide stability and benefits, while retail and locum roles often come with higher pay but fewer advantages. Negotiating hourly pay can be nuanced; optometrists should weigh benefits against higher hourly wages when considering job offers, keeping in mind their long-term career goals and personal circumstances.
More salary data for Middleton, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Middleton. 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 Middleton 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