Optometrist Hourly Pay in Sun Prairie, WI: $69.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Sun Prairie, WI runs $69.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,827 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Sun Prairie's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $74.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,297 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, command a median hourly pay of $69.15, which is above the national hourly median of $67.60. This rate highlights the financial viability for optometrists considering part-time or per-diem positions within various settings such as private practices, retail optical chains, and VA clinics. For instance, those working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can translate this hourly rate to a competitive income while enjoying a work-life balance. The hourly compensation varies significantly across the spectrum, with entry-level optometrists starting at around $40.10, while experienced professionals can earn up to $101.15. These figures reflect estimates derived from yearly salary data, shedding light on the hourly compensation landscape specific to this occupation in Sun Prairie.
About the Sun Prairie 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) | $40.10 | $320.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.16 | $465.30 |
| Median (P50) | $69.15 | $553.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.97 | $671.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.15 | $809.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sun Prairie
Based on $69.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.15/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sun Prairie, WI can expect to earn approximately $143,828 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,978. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sun Prairie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sun Prairie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,765.92 | $11,986 | $143,828 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,659.55 | $7,191 | $86,297 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,106.37 | $4,794 | $57,531 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Sun Prairie) | $69.15 |
| 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 Sun Prairie, WI earn a median of $143,827 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.29% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $147,970.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.15/hr = $86,297/year (purchasing power: $92,395).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,828/year (purchasing power: $153,991).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Sun Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Sun Prairie grew 18.5% from $56.68/hr (2019) to $67.16/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.19/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 Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie
Understanding the nuances of part-time and per-diem opportunities is crucial for prospective optometrists in Sun Prairie. A part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week may expect an annual take-home figure considerably lower than their full-time counterparts, impacting lifestyle and benefits. Per-diem workers, often billing between $500 to $1,200 a day depending on the employer type, can find lucrative opportunities, especially in retail optical chains and OD/MD practices. Hourly rates differ widely in Sun Prairie based on employer, with private organizations, retail giants like Walmart Vision, and even military health systems offering varied compensation packages. While some may opt for lower hourly rates with benefits like health insurance, others may prefer higher hourly compensation without benefits for increased flexibility. Negotiation can be key; understanding the local market and potential benefits can significantly shape employment decisions for optometrists in this growing field.
More salary data for Sun Prairie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Sun Prairie. 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 Sun Prairie 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