As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optical Design Engineer IV in the United States is $182,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $88.
However, an Optical Design Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered Talent
Smart Recruiting
An Optical Design Engineer IV'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 IV'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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Optical Design Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $205,336. While startup companies pay approximate $173,779.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $173,779 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $183,769 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $198,311 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $205,336 |
For Optical Design Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Optical Design Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Optical Design Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $237,640 | $114.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $210,220 | $101.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an Optical Design Engineer IV'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, 2026Salaries for an Optical Design Engineer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $134,624 in 2023 to around $133,288 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Optical Design Engineer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $134,624 |
| 2024 | $134,563 |
| 2025 | $133,288 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Optical Design Engineer IV and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Optical Design Engineer IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Optical Design Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
As of now, Optical Design Engineers in the United States earn between $181,200 and $205,400 annually, with a median salary of $196,400. This translates to approximately $87.00 to $98.70 per hour, or about $3,475 to $3,800 per week. The monthly earnings range from $15,100 to $17,600, reflecting the high demand for this specialized role.
Optical engineers utilize optics to address challenges and design devices that manipulate light effectively. They must possess a deep understanding of optical science to determine feasible solutions. The salary for an Optical Design Engineer ranges from $181,200 to $205,400, with a median salary of $196,400, reflecting the expertise required in this specialized field.
One of the highest paid design jobs is that of an Optical Design Engineer, with a salary range from $181,200 to $205,400. The average salary for this role is approximately $196,400. This position is highly sought after in the design field, reflecting the specialized skills and expertise required.
Optical engineers play a crucial role in designing various optical devices, including eyeglasses and camera lenses, as well as advanced technologies like medical imaging systems and high-speed communication tools. Their expertise is essential in creating products that enhance vision and improve technological capabilities. Salaries for optical design engineers range from $181,200 to $205,400, with a mid-salary of $196,400.
Optical engineers design precision optical systems for cameras, telescopes, and lens systems. They determine specifications and calibrate devices, ensuring optimal performance. With a salary range from $181,200 to $205,400, these professionals play a crucial role in developing advanced optical technology and components for various applications.
The highest-paid engineering role in the USA is the Optical Design Engineer, with a salary range from $181,200 to $205,400. The average salary for this position is approximately $196,400, significantly higher than many other engineering fields, making it one of the top-paying engineering careers in 2024.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
