Optometrist Hourly Pay in Plainfield, IL: $63.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Plainfield, IL runs $63.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,019 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,217 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plainfield, Illinois, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median of $63.47, which is slightly lower than the national median of $67.60. This rate offers considerable potential for part-time and per-diem work, particularly for those serving in various settings such as private optical practices, retail chains, or VA outpatient clinics. For instance, professionals working three days a week at this median hourly rate could find themselves in an advantageous position, especially considering the entry-level pay begins at approximately $38.13 while experienced optometrists can earn up to $92.40 per hour. This hourly compensation structure gives optometrists in Plainfield flexibility, allowing them to choose how much they want to work while still having the opportunity to earn a substantial income.
About the Plainfield 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) | $38.13 | $305.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.00 | $424.03 |
| Median (P50) | $63.47 | $507.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.62 | $612.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.40 | $739.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $63.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.47/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, IL can expect to earn approximately $132,028 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,170. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,538.99 | $11,002 | $132,028 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,523.40 | $6,601 | $79,217 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,015.60 | $4,401 | $52,811 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Plainfield) | $63.47 |
| 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 Plainfield, IL earn a median of $132,019 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.11% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $136,525.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.47/hr = $79,217/year (purchasing power: $81,582).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,028/year (purchasing power: $135,971).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Plainfield grew 18.5% from $52.03/hr (2019) to $61.65/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.35/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
Looking at the financial implications of opting for part-time versus full-time roles, an optometrist working just three days a week (about 24 hours) would see their potential annual earnings starkly contrasted against full-time professionals. Many per-diem optometrists in retail settings might bill anywhere from $500 to $800 daily, and those filling in at OD/MD practices could earn $700 to $1,200 per day. Meanwhile, residency-trained ocular disease specialists may command $90 to $130 per hour in hospital systems. Hourly rates differ widely depending on the employer, with private practices often offering lower pay compared to retail optical chains or ophthalmology practices. While some may accept a lower hourly wage for the stability of benefits, others might prefer the flexibility of higher pay without benefits. Negotiating pay based on experience, existing patient bases, and demand in the area is crucial for optometrists in Plainfield.
More salary data for Plainfield, IL:
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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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