Optometrist Hourly Pay in Wausau, WI: $70.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Wausau, WI runs $70.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,914 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Wausau's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $76.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,147 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wausau, Wisconsin, the projected optometrist hourly pay for 2026 is set at $70.63, notably higher than the national median of $67.60 per hour. This elevated hourly rate serves as a significant incentive for both full-time and part-time practitioners, especially those considering part-time roles at three days a week or seeking per diem opportunities. Part-time optometrists can expect to work around 24 hours weekly, making the profession accessible for individuals looking to balance personal and professional commitments. Moreover, the salary range spans from $49.13 for entry-level positions to $96.04 for top-tier earners, reflecting the varied settings where optometrists practice, including private optometry offices, retail optical chains, and teaching clinics affiliated with universities. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49.13 | $393.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.56 | $484.49 |
| Median (P50) | $70.63 | $565.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.92 | $703.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.04 | $768.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wausau
Based on $70.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.63/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wausau, WI can expect to earn approximately $146,912 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,757. With a cost-of-living index of 92.65 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wausau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wausau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,825.22 | $12,243 | $146,912 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,695.13 | $7,346 | $88,147 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,130.09 | $4,897 | $58,765 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Wausau) | $70.63 |
| 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 Wausau, WI earn a median of $146,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.48% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $147,949.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.63/hr = $88,147/year (purchasing power: $95,139).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,912/year (purchasing power: $158,564).
CoL index: 92.651 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Wausau grew 18.5% from $57.89/hr (2019) to $68.60/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.72/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 Wausau 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 Wausau
For those assessing part-time opportunities, the earnings for a three-day workweek can offer a substantial complement to income, with potential annual take-home pay tallied in the lower six-figure range compared to full-time optometrists. Per diem optometrists in Wausau can command varying rates depending on their employer; fill-in positions at retail chains often yield daily earnings ranging from $500 to $800, while specialized roles in OD/MD practices can see daily compensation as high as $1,200. The differences in pay are also affected by workplace settings—private practices or military health systems may offer stability and benefits, albeit at slightly lower hourly compensation, while higher-paying roles often entail less benefit support. Optometrists are encouraged to negotiate their pay rates, emphasizing their specialized training, particularly for those who have completed residencies or are involved in expanded scopes of practice, to secure a better deal in the evolving workforce of eye care in Wausau.
More salary data for Wausau, 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 Wausau. 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