▼34%
$119,629
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$82k
MEDIAN
$120k
90%
$168k
The average salary for an Optical Engineer is $119,629 in 2025
Base Salary
$82k - $168k
Bonus
$2k - $25k
Profit Sharing
$2k - $51k
Total Pay
$80k - $180k
Is Average Mid-Career Optical Engineer Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Optical Engineers?
What Do Optical Engineers Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Optical Engineer
Medical
89%
Dental
83%
Vision
79%
None
11%
Gender Breakdown for Optical Engineers
Male
88.1%
Female
11.9%
This data is based on 42 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Optical Engineers
What is the highest pay for Optical Engineers?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for an Optical Engineer is $168k / year
What is the lowest pay for Optical Engineers?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for an Optical Engineer is $82k / year
How can Optical Engineers increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as an Optical Engineer is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are an Optical Engineer that oversees more junior Optical Engineers, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.