Optometrist Hourly Pay in Decatur, IL: $66.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Decatur, IL runs $66.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,440 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,059 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Decatur, Illinois, the optometrist hourly pay is projected to be $66.55 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $67.60. This figure is significant for both full-time and part-time practitioners, particularly those working three days a week or as per-diem optometrists. Part-time work often involves flexible schedules, allowing professionals in settings such as private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and university clinics to balance their careers with other commitments. Newer optometrists can expect hourly rates starting at $38.60, while experienced practitioners may earn upwards of $96.71. The potential to earn within this range reflects the profession's demand and the diverse opportunities available across different work environments within Decatur.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.60 | $308.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.93 | $423.45 |
| Median (P50) | $66.55 | $532.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.82 | $638.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.71 | $773.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $66.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.55/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, IL can expect to earn approximately $138,431 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,864. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,662.13 | $11,536 | $138,431 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,597.28 | $6,922 | $83,059 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,064.85 | $4,614 | $55,372 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Decatur) | $66.55 |
| 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 Decatur, IL earn a median of $138,440 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.54% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% above the Illinois state average of $136,529.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.55/hr = $83,059/year (purchasing power: $85,539).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,431/year (purchasing power: $142,565).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Decatur grew 18.5% from $54.55/hr (2019) to $64.64/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.52/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 Decatur 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 Decatur
Evaluating the part-time optometrist's income in Decatur, a practitioner working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) would take home around $96,070 annually, indicating a substantial income even without full-time hours. For those engaged in per-diem roles, the earnings can vary significantly based on the type of practice. Fill-in optometrists at retail chains may command between $500 to $800 daily, while those stepping into OD/MD practices can earn from $700 to $1,200 per day, depending on their specialization. Factors such as employment type influence hourly pay, where private practices and retail optical chains might offer different compensation structures. Health insurance benefits often play a role in negotiations; some optometrists may accept lower hourly wages for the security of benefits, while others might prioritize higher rates without those perks. Understanding the local salary landscape can empower Decatur optometrists during salary discussions.
More salary data for Decatur, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Decatur in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Decatur?
Are optometrists in Decatur paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Decatur?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Decatur?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Decatur. 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 Decatur 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