Optometrist Hourly Pay in Appleton, WI: $74.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Appleton, WI runs $74.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $154,502 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Appleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.4, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $80.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,708 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Appleton, Wisconsin, optometrists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $74.29, surpassing the national median of $67.60. This attractive compensation provides a strong incentive for both full-time and part-time professionals, particularly those working three days a week or taking on per-diem roles. Typically employed in settings such as retail optical chains, private practice exam rooms, or even university teaching clinics, optometrists' pay scales vary greatly. Those new to the field might start around $36.44 per hour, while highly experienced optometrists can command rates up to $103.16, illustrating a healthy earning potential across the experience spectrum. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS figures, projected into 2026, reflecting a robust framework for optometrists in the region.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.44 | $291.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.66 | $445.28 |
| Median (P50) | $74.29 | $594.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.11 | $712.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.16 | $825.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Appleton
Based on $74.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.29/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Appleton, WI can expect to earn approximately $154,514 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,143. With a cost-of-living index of 92.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Appleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Appleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,971.43 | $12,876 | $154,514 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,782.86 | $7,726 | $92,708 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,188.57 | $5,150 | $61,806 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Appleton) | $74.29 |
| 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 Appleton, WI earn a median of $154,502 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.88% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.40% above the Wisconsin state average of $147,990.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.29/hr = $92,708/year (purchasing power: $100,313).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $154,514/year (purchasing power: $167,189).
CoL index: 92.419 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$60.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Appleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Appleton grew 18.5% from $60.89/hr (2019) to $72.15/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.48/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 Appleton 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 Appleton
For optometrists considering part-time work, the financial implications of a three-day work week can be substantial. If a part-time optometrist works an average of 24 hours weekly, their take-home earnings can still be competitive compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem opportunities also abound; filling in at retail establishments, optometrists can earn anywhere from $500 to $800 daily, while those servicing OD/MD practices may see compensation reach $700 to $1,200 per day. The hourly rate often fluctuates based on the employer type in Appleton. For instance, solo private practices may offer lower hourly rates compared to larger ophthalmology practices or specialty clinics. Some optometrists may choose roles with lower pay for the benefits they offer, such as healthcare coverage, leaving others to negotiate higher income without benefits. Familiarizing oneself with industry standards and having clear expectations can empower optometrists in Appleton to achieve optimal pay rates within this evolving profession.
More salary data for Appleton, 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 Appleton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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