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Optical Engineer II Salary in the United States

How much does an Optical Engineer II make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optical Engineer II in the United States is $94,135 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $105,160
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $90,948 to $99,906
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $88,046

Key Factors That Influence Optical Engineer II Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Optical Engineer II Salaries?

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:

  • Optical Engineer II (2-4 years): $94,135
  • Optical Engineer II (4-7 years): $120,267
  • Optical Engineer III (7+ years): $139,963
  • Optical Engineer IV (7-10 years): $182,727
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Optical Engineer II2-4 years$94,135
Optical Engineer II4-7 years$120,267
Optical Engineer III7+ years$139,963
Optical Engineer IV7-10 years$182,727

Top Paying Cities for Optical Engineer II

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $118,732
  • San Francisco: $117,432
  • Oakland: $114,958

Optical Engineer II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $105,740. While startup companies pay approximate $89,490.

Optical Engineer II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $89,490
Growth Stage 51~500 $94,634
Established 501~5000 $102,123
Enterprise 5000+ $105,740

Optical Engineer II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for an Optical Engineer II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$108,255$52.015%
Construction$103,549$50.010%
MFG Durable$103,549$50.010%
Business Services$98,842$48.05%
Energy & Utilities$98,842$48.05%

Optical Engineer II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 August 01, 2026
$90,948
Average $94,135/year
$99,906
$7,579
Average $7,845/month
$8,326
$1,749
Average $1,810/week
$1,921
$44
Average $45/hour
$48
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $99,906 $8,326 $1,921 $48
Average $94,135 $7,845 $1,810 $45
25th Percentile $90,948 $7,579 $1,749 $44

Optical Engineer II Salary Growth & Career Path

For 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 $120,267 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Optical Engineer II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Optical Engineer II

Here are companies hiring for Optical Engineer II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Optical Engineer II

1. Where can an Optical Engineer II earn the most?

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 $118,732.

2. What is the highest pay for Optical Engineer II?

The highest pay for Optical Engineer II is $105,160.

3. What is the lowest pay for Optical Engineer II?

The lowest pay for Optical Engineer II is $88,046.

4. What are the responsibilities of Optical Engineer II?

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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Optical Engineer II?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Optical Engineer II roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

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