Optometrist Hourly Pay in O'Fallon, IL: $63.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in O'Fallon, IL runs $63.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,016 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against O'Fallon's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,808 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In O'Fallon, IL, the projected median hourly pay for optometrists in 2026 is $63.95, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $67.60. This pay scale positions optometrists favorably compared to other healthcare professions, but still highlights a gap that may influence employment choices. For those considering part-time work, which often entails a schedule of three days per week, the hourly wage allows for a reliable income while providing flexibility. The pay range spans from entry-level practitioners earning approximately $37.09 per hour to experienced, top-tier optometrists reaching up to $93.87. Given that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, they represent the potential of lucrative opportunities within varied settings, such as private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and specialized clinics.
About the O'Fallon 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) | $37.09 | $296.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.10 | $400.80 |
| Median (P50) | $63.95 | $511.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.46 | $603.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.87 | $750.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in O'Fallon
Based on $63.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.95/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in O'Fallon, IL can expect to earn approximately $133,013 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,738. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in O'Fallon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in O'Fallon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,557.94 | $11,084 | $133,013 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,534.76 | $6,651 | $79,808 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,023.18 | $4,434 | $53,205 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (O'Fallon) | $63.95 |
| 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 O'Fallon, IL earn a median of $133,016 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.40% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.60% below the Illinois state average of $136,567.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.95/hr = $79,808/year (purchasing power: $82,191).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,013/year (purchasing power: $136,985).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in O'Fallon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in O'Fallon grew 18.5% from $52.41/hr (2019) to $62.11/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.84/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 O'Fallon 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 O'Fallon
Exploring the financial implications of part-time vs. full-time work reveals nuanced earning potential for optometrists in O'Fallon. A part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week can expect to bring home a competitive income, but the total annual revenue will be significantly less than that of full-time colleagues. The per diem arrangements also offer unique opportunities; fill-in optometrists commonly earn rates between $500 and $800 per day in retail settings, while those in OD/MD practices can see daily earnings ranging from $700 to $1,200. Additionally, residency-trained ocular disease specialists can command hourly rates between $90 and $130 when working on a 1099 basis. Employment across varying settings, such as retail chains like LensCrafters and ophthalmology practices, can influence the overall payoff, with many opting for positions that offer health insurance even if it means accepting a lower hourly wage. Negotiating pay is critical; understanding these dynamics can empower professionals to assess their worth relative to the local market and secure favorable compensation based on their qualifications and employment preferences in O'Fallon, IL.
More salary data for O'Fallon, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in O'Fallon in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in O'Fallon?
Are optometrists in O'Fallon paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in O'Fallon?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in O'Fallon?
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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 O'Fallon. 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 O'Fallon 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