As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for an Optical Engineer I in the United States is $94,213. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $82,162 to a high of $108,303, with most professionals earning between $87,905 and $101,588.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $101,588 | $8,466 | $1,954 | $49 |
| Average | $94,213 | $7,851 | $1,812 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,905 | $7,325 | $1,690 | $42 |
An entry-level Optical Engineer I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $93,742. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $94,433. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $96,084. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $96,414, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $96,635.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Optical Engineer I | $93,742 |
| Intermediate Level Optical Engineer I | $94,433 |
| Senior Level Optical Engineer I | $96,084 |
| Specialist Level Optical Engineer I | $96,414 |
| Expert Level Optical Engineer I | $96,635 |
| Entry Level | 0% |
| Mid Level | 0% |
| Senior Level | 2% |
| Top Level | 2% |
| Experienced | 3% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Optical Engineer I compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $79,391 in 2023 to approximately $78,884 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Optical Engineer I salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Optical Engineer I information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Optical Engineer I job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Optical Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $94,213 | 71.2% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $7,207 | 5.4% | ||
| 401K/403B | $3,957 | 3.0% | ||
| Disability | $1,884 | 1.4% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 6.3% | ||
| Pension | $5,088 | 3.8% | ||
| Time Off | $11,595 | 8.8% | ||
| Total Compensation | $132,297 | 100% | ||
The average annual salary of Optical Engineer I is $94,213. In case you are finding an easy salary calculator, the average hourly pay of Optical Engineer I is $45; the average weekly pay of Optical Engineer I is $1,812; the average monthly pay of Optical Engineer I is $7,851.
An Optical Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Optical Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Optical Engineer I is $118,831.
The highest pay for Optical Engineer I is $108,303.
The lowest pay for Optical Engineer I is $82,162.
Designs and tests optical technologies, systems, and components. Conducts research and development on system specifications, designs, and testing methodologies to optimize, control, or manipulate light for imagery. Utilizes a variety of measuring instruments to test and assess the performance and quality of optical systems or components. Troubleshoots, modifies, and demonstrates design prototypes. Utilizes optical design software and modeling tools such as Zemax and FRED. Requires a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, electrical engineering, physics. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
