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Surface Optics Salary

Surface Optics Salary

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As of September 2026, the average hourly salary for employees at Surface Optics in the United States is $40. This translates to an approximate annual wage of $82,767. Salaries at Surface Optics typically range from $35 to $45 hourly, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Surface Optics Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Surface Optics. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Director of Finance and Accounting, with an hourly wage of $92. The table below outlines the hourly wage ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Sales Manager

$78 / hour

Salary Range: $68 - $90

Sales

Technical Performance Specialist - Tooling Tryout

$53 / hour

Salary Range: $49 - $57

Engineering

Tooling Tryout Technician

$45 / hour

Salary Range: $42 - $49

Engineering

Technical Support Representative

$24 / hour

Salary Range: $21 - $27

Technical Support

Director of Finance and Accounting

$92 / hour

Salary Range: $82 - $105

Management

Business Systems Analyst

$41 / hour

Salary Range: $38 - $46

Information Technology

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Surface Optics.
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About Surface Optics: Company Profile

Website
www.surfaceoptics.com
Founded In
1978
Employees
50 - 100 employees
Industry
MFG Durable
Headquarter Location
SAN DIEGO
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About SURFACE OPTICS
Surface Optics Corporation (SOC) offers a single engineering and manufacturing source for the characterization, control, and exploitation of the optical properties of surfaces. For over 40 years, Surface Optics has provided hemispherical and bidirectional reflectance measurement services, custom instrument engineering services, analytical software, reflectometers, hyperspectral and multispectral i

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into Surface Optics's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
There’s a strong sense of teamwork, and management actively encourages open communication, which makes for a much better working day and a positive overall experience. The onboarding process was fantastic. My team leads provided hands-on training that made me feel confident quickly. Environmentally friendly practices reduce waste effectively.
Commented in April 29, 2025
38
2
Career paths are available and it is somehow clearly communicated. This predictability and fairness create a stable and trustworthy work environment where everyone feels they are treated equitably. Diversity is valued, and it creates a much richer and more innovative workplace. From regular team meetings to strong safety training, every part of the operation feels professional and purpose-driven. ...
Commented in April 01, 2025
25
1
They combine a strong commitment to producing quality products with an equally strong commitment to their employees' well-being and development. Workload fluctuations can lead to stressful periods, especially during production peaks. A steady, unremarkable work environment that functions but rarely adapts.
Commented in January 09, 2025
16
3
There’s a good rhythm to the work, and team leads are knowledgeable and fair. It feels like being part of a family, not just a workforce. I’ve been promoted twice in five years because they reward performance and initiative. This company offers a great balance of structure and flexibility. Training opportunities exist but can be inconsistent and generic. You know what to expect, and policies are a...
Commented in July 23, 2024
16
1
The culture is professional but may feel rigid and hierarchical. There’s room to take initiative and suggest process improvements. I appreciate the company's dedication to innovation and excellence, which extends to how they treat their employees.
Commented in February 24, 2024
12
0

How Surface Optics's Salaries Compare to Similar Companies?

The data below provides a snapshot of what comparable firms are paying, offering crucial context for evaluating Surface Optics’s pay competitiveness. Click on a company for a deeper dive.

Is Surface Optics’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Surface Optics's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
SAGE INSTRUMENTS, INC. $41
+3.8%
Supported by SAGE INSTRUMENTS, INC.'s high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
SENSORLINK CORPORATION $38
-3.4%
SENSORLINK CORPORATION operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
TEST SYSTEMS, INC. $37
-7.5%
TEST SYSTEMS, INC. focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
A V MASTERS $39
-1.2%
Reflects stabilized pricing equilibrium for commercial construction roles in this region.
MFG Durable Industry $59
+47.1%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

What Is the Cost of Living Near San Diego?

Understanding the cost of living near San Diego is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Surface Optics.
San Diego's Cost of Living Index is approximately 160.4 (60.4% more expensive than US average; 14.7% more than CA average). Very high housing costs are the primary driver, along with generally higher prices for other goods and services. When planning your budget based on a salary from Surface Optics, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,200 - $3,400+ A significant portion of Surface Optics salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $160 - $270 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $72 (MTS monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $460 - $680 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $450 - $850+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $380 - $720+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,722 - $5,922+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About Surface Optics

FAQ 1: What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Surface Optics?
The typical salary range for most roles at Surface Optics is approximately from $35 to $45 per hour. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.
FAQ 2: How much does Surface Optics pay compared to SAGE INSTRUMENTS, INC.?
The average annual salary at Surface Optics is $82,767, or an hourly wage of $40, in comparison to SAGE INSTRUMENTS, INC. which pays $85,938 per year or $41 per hour.
FAQ 3: How does experience level affect salary at Surface Optics?
Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Surface Optics, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.
FAQ 4: How can I determine if a salary offer from Surface Optics in San Diego is fair given the local cost of living?
To determine if a salary offer from Surface Optics in San Diego is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Surface Optics and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for San Diego" to understand its purchasing power.
FAQ 5: What factors influence salary increases at Surface Optics?
Salary increases at Surface Optics are likely influenced by a combination of factors, including: individual employee performance against set goals, overall company performance and profitability, budget availability, changes in the market rate for similar roles (market adjustments), and sometimes cost-of-living increases.

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