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Optical Engineer III Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optical Engineer III in the United States is $120,267 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.

However, an Optical Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $134,410
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $112,818 to $127,670
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $106,036
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Optical Engineer III Salaries

An Optical Engineer III'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 III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Optical Engineer III'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 I (2-4 years): $94,135
  • Optical Engineer III (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 I2-4 years$94,135
Optical Engineer III4-7 years$120,267
Optical Engineer III7+ years$139,963
Optical Engineer IV7-10 years$182,727
View as Graph

How Do Optical Engineer IIIs Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $133,160.
  • California: $132,655.
  • Massachusetts: $130,887.

Top Paying Cities for Optical Engineer III

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: $151,693
  • San Francisco: $150,032
  • Oakland: $146,870

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

Optical Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $135,094. While startup companies pay approximate $114,332.

Optical Engineer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $114,332
Growth Stage 51~500 $120,905
Established 501~5000 $130,472
Enterprise 5000+ $135,094

Optical Engineer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Optical Engineer III 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 Engineer positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Optical Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Optical Engineer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable$168,374$81.040%
Construction$156,347$75.030%
Media$150,334$72.025%
Aerospace & Defense$144,320$69.020%
Hospitality & Leisure$138,307$66.015%

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

Understanding how an Optical Engineer III'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
$112,818
Average $120,267/year
$127,670
$9,402
Average $10,022/month
$10,639
$2,170
Average $2,313/week
$2,455
$54
Average $58/hour
$61
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $127,670 $10,639 $2,455 $61
Average $120,267 $10,022 $2,313 $58
25th Percentile $112,818 $9,402 $2,170 $54

Optical Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

Optical Engineer III

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Advancement

For an Optical Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Optical Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $139,963 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Optical Engineer III

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

Common company salaries for Optical Engineer III

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

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FAQ about Optical Engineer III

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

An Optical Engineer III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Optical Engineer III is $151,693.

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

The highest pay for Optical Engineer III is $134,410.

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

The lowest pay for Optical Engineer III is $106,036.

4. What are the responsibilities of Optical Engineer III?

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. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.

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

The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Optical Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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