As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optical Engineer II in the United States is $94,141 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, an Optical Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Optical 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 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 Engineer II | 2-4 years | $94,141 |
| Optical Engineer II | 4-7 years | $120,270 |
| Optical Engineer III | 7+ years | $139,966 |
| Optical Engineer IV | 7-10 years | $182,724 |
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 Engineer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Optical Engineer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $105,628. While startup companies pay approximate $89,370.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $89,370 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $94,510 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $102,015 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $105,628 |
For Optical Engineer II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Optical Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Optical Engineer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $108,262 | $52.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $103,555 | $50.0 | 10% |
| MFG Durable | $103,555 | $50.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $98,848 | $48.0 | 5% |
| Energy & Utilities | $98,848 | $48.0 | 5% |
Understanding how an Optical 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 July 01, 2026For an Optical Engineer II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Optical Engineer III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $120,270 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.
Salaries for an Optical Engineer II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $79,391 in 2023 to around $77,771 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Optical Engineer II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $79,391 |
| 2024 | $78,884 |
| 2025 | $77,771 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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An Optical Engineer II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Optical Engineer II is $118,740.
The highest pay for Optical Engineer II is $105,164.
The lowest pay for Optical Engineer II is $88,073.
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.
The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Optical Engineer II roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
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.)
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