Optometrist Hourly Pay in Mequon, WI: $66.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Mequon, WI runs $66.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,332 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Mequon's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,994 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mequon, Wisconsin, optometrists earn a median hourly rate of $66.50, which is slightly below the national median of $67.60. This pay structure provides significant earning opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers, particularly those employed in various settings like private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and VA clinics. An optometrist working three days a week, for instance, can expect to take home a reasonable income while enjoying the flexibility that accompanies part-time hours. The hourly rate spans from $40.93 at the entry-level to $89.52 for the most experienced professionals, reflecting the demand and varied experience in this field.
About the Mequon 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) | $40.93 | $327.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.21 | $449.65 |
| Median (P50) | $66.50 | $532.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.38 | $611.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.52 | $716.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mequon
Based on $66.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.50/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mequon, WI can expect to earn approximately $138,324 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,802. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mequon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mequon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,660.07 | $11,527 | $138,324 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,596.04 | $6,916 | $82,994 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,064.03 | $4,611 | $55,330 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Mequon) | $66.50 |
| 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 Mequon, WI earn a median of $138,332 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.62% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $147,949.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.50/hr = $82,994/year (purchasing power: $88,859).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,324/year (purchasing power: $148,098).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Mequon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Mequon grew 18.5% from $54.51/hr (2019) to $64.59/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.47/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 Mequon 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 Mequon
When examining the annual earnings potential for part-time optometrists working in Mequon, one can see the financial impact of choosing not to work full-time. An optometrist working 24 hours a week at the median rate would take home approximately $83,520 annually, a substantial figure compared to full-time colleagues. Per-diem optometrists, often contracted for specific shifts, may charge between $500 to $800 per day at retail locations and $700 to $1,200 at specialized OD/MD practices. The variability in hourly rates can be attributed to the nature of the employer—private practices may offer lower hourly rates accompanied by health benefits, while retail chains may provide less job security with potentially higher hourly pay. Negotiating better rates in Mequon hinges on understanding the demand within the local job market and weighing the benefits associated with full-time positions against the allure of flexible hours and per diem rates.
More salary data for Mequon, 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 Mequon. 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 Mequon 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