As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optical Design Engineer II in the United States is $120,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, an Optical Design Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Optical Design Engineer II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Optical Design Engineer II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design Engineer I | 2-4 years | $94,135 |
| Optical Design Engineer II | 4-7 years | $120,267 |
| Optical Design Engineer III | 7+ years | $139,963 |
| Optical Design Engineer IV | 7-10 years | $182,727 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Optical Design Engineer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Optical Design Engineer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $135,131. While startup companies pay approximate $114,364.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $114,364 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $120,938 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $130,508 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $135,131 |
For Optical Design Engineer II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Optical Design Engineer positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Optical Design Engineer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $168,420 | $81.0 | 40% |
| Construction | $156,390 | $75.0 | 30% |
| Media | $150,375 | $72.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $144,360 | $69.0 | 20% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $138,345 | $67.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an Optical Design Engineer II's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For an Optical Design Engineer II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Optical Design Engineer III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $140,000 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for an Optical Design Engineer II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $96,804 in 2023 to around $94,853 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Optical Design Engineer II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $96,804 |
| 2024 | $96,341 |
| 2025 | $94,853 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Optical Design Engineer II roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Design Engineers often face complex challenges that can be stressful, such as tight deadlines, technical problem-solving, and balancing creativity with functionality. With salaries ranging from $124,600 to $141,200, it's essential to manage stress by prioritizing tasks, communicating effectively with cross-functional teams, and staying updated with industry advancements.
Optical Design Engineers have competitive salaries, with a minimum of $124,600, a mid-range salary of $136,000, and a maximum of $141,200. While Petroleum Engineers lead with a median annual salary of $137,322, Optical Design Engineers also rank among the higher-paying engineering careers, reflecting the lucrative opportunities in this field.
Yes, there is a demand for optical engineers. Employment is projected to grow by 4 percent through 2028, in line with the average for all occupations. As applications utilizing optics technology expand, opportunities will arise across various industries. Salaries for optical design engineers range from $124,600 to $141,200, reflecting the value of this expertise.
Yes, design engineers, particularly in optical design, are in high demand due to advancements in technology and increasing applications in various industries. The salary range for an Optical Design Engineer typically falls between $124,600 and $141,200, with a mid-salary of around $136,000, reflecting the value and expertise required in this field.
The highest salary for an Optical Design Engineer is $141,200. While some sources may report higher figures, the current data indicates that salaries typically range from a minimum of $124,600 to a mid-level of $136,000, with top earners reaching up to $141,200 annually.
Engineer II is indeed a higher classification than Engineer I. While Engineer I typically starts at a salary of around $124,600, Engineer II positions offer a mid-salary of approximately $136,000, with potential earnings reaching up to $141,200. This reflects the increased responsibilities and expertise required for the advanced level role.
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