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Optical Engineer IV Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optical Engineer IV in the United States is $139,963 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $154,093
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $131,924 to $147,359
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $124,605
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Optical Engineer IV Salaries

An Optical 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.

How Experience Level Affects Optical Engineer IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Optical 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:

  • Optical Engineer I (2-4 years): $94,135
  • Optical Engineer II (4-7 years): $120,267
  • Optical Engineer IV (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 II4-7 years$120,267
Optical Engineer IV7+ years$139,963
Optical Engineer IV7-10 years$182,727
View as Graph

How Do Optical Engineer IVs 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $154,967.
  • California: $154,379.
  • Massachusetts: $152,322.

Top Paying Cities for Optical Engineer IV

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: $176,535
  • San Francisco: $174,602
  • Oakland: $170,923

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

Optical Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $157,218. While startup companies pay approximate $133,056.

Optical Engineer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $133,056
Growth Stage 51~500 $140,705
Established 501~5000 $151,840
Enterprise 5000+ $157,218

Optical Engineer IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Optical Engineer IV 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 Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Optical Engineer positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Optical Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Optical Engineer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$195,948$94.040%
Biotechnology$181,952$87.030%
Software & Networking$181,952$87.030%
Internet$174,954$84.025%
Aerospace & Defense$167,956$81.020%

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

Understanding how an Optical 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, 2026
$131,924
Average $139,963/year
$147,359
$10,994
Average $11,664/month
$12,280
$2,537
Average $2,692/week
$2,834
$63
Average $67/hour
$71
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $147,359 $12,280 $2,834 $71
Average $139,963 $11,664 $2,692 $67
25th Percentile $131,924 $10,994 $2,537 $63

Optical Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Optical Engineer IV

Next Role

For an Optical Engineer IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Optical Engineer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $182,727 - a projected growth of 31% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Optical Engineer IV

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

Common company salaries for Optical Engineer IV

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

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FAQ about Optical Engineer IV

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

An Optical Engineer IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Optical Engineer IV is $176,535.

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

The highest pay for Optical Engineer IV is $154,093.

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

The lowest pay for Optical Engineer IV is $124,605.

4. What are the responsibilities of Optical Engineer IV?

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 highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Optical Engineer IV 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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