Optometrist Hourly Pay in Platteville, WI: $66.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Platteville, WI runs $66.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,321 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Platteville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,994 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Platteville, Wisconsin is projected to be $66.50, slightly below the national median of $67.60. This rate positions local optometrists favorably within the context of various employment opportunities, allowing part-time professionals—such as those working three days a week—to earn a competitive income. The hourly range for optometrists in Platteville stretches from $41.20 for entry-level positions to approximately $93.31 for the top 10% of earners. Employment settings vary across private optometry practices, retail optical chains like LensCrafters, and even VA outpatient eye clinics, allowing practitioners to find a fit that matches their lifestyle and earnings expectations. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the vibrant job market in the optical field.
About the Platteville 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) | $41.20 | $329.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.69 | $437.54 |
| Median (P50) | $66.50 | $532.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.92 | $631.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.31 | $746.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Platteville
Based on $66.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.50/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Platteville, WI can expect to earn approximately $138,324 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,802. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Platteville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Platteville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,660.07 | $11,527 | $138,324 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,596.04 | $6,916 | $82,994 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,064.03 | $4,611 | $55,330 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Platteville) | $66.50 |
| 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 Platteville, WI earn a median of $138,321 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.63% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.60% below the Wisconsin state average of $148,095.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.50/hr = $82,994/year (purchasing power: $88,859).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,324/year (purchasing power: $148,098).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Platteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Platteville grew 18.5% from $54.51/hr (2019) to $64.59/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.47/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 Platteville 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 Platteville
For those considering part-time work, let's examine the financial implications of a 3-day workweek (approximately 24 hours). An optometrist in this scenario would potentially take home around $84,384 annually, whereas a full-time position often yields significantly higher earnings. Many optometrists explore per-diem opportunities, where daily billing rates range from $500 to $1,200 based on the practice type. Agency fill-in roles can fetch between $90 and $130 per hour, especially for residency-trained practitioners in ocular disease. Hourly pay can fluctuate depending on whether they are employed in private practices, retail chains, or hospital systems. Some optometrists may accept lower rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others might prioritize high hourly wages without benefits. In negotiating rates, it’s advisable for Platteville optometrists to highlight their experience and expertise, particularly in light of the expanding scope of practice in modern optometry, which now includes advanced procedures in many states.
More salary data for Platteville, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Platteville in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Platteville?
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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 Platteville. 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 Platteville 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