As of May 01, 2025, the average annual salary for an Optical Engineer IV in the United States is $181,057. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $175,130 to $191,429, with most professionals earning between $169,734 and $200,872.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $191,429 | $15,952 | $3,681 | $92 |
| Average | $181,057 | $15,088 | $3,482 | $87 |
| 25th Percentile | $175,130 | $14,594 | $3,368 | $84 |
An entry-level Optical Engineer IV with less than 1 year of experience earns about $178,403. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $178,845. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $179,553. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $180,438, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $182,605.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Optical Engineer IV | $178,403 |
| Intermediate Level Optical Engineer IV | $178,845 |
| Senior Level Optical Engineer IV | $179,553 |
| Specialist Level Optical Engineer IV | $180,438 |
| Expert Level Optical Engineer IV | $182,605 |
| Entry Level | 1% |
| Mid Level | 1% |
| Senior Level | 1% |
| Top Level | 0% |
| Experienced | 1% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of May 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Optical Engineer IV compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $134,624 in 2023 to approximately $134,563 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Optical Engineer IV salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Optical Engineer IV information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Optical Engineer IV job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Optical Engineer IV and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $181,057 | 64.3% | ||
| Bonus | $28,592 | 10.2% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $13,493 | 4.8% | ||
| 401K/403B | $8,805 | 3.1% | ||
| Disability | $4,193 | 1.5% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 3.0% | ||
| Pension | $11,321 | 4.0% | ||
| Time Off | $25,803 | 9.2% | ||
| Total Compensation | $281,617 | 100% | ||
The average annual salary of Optical Engineer IV is $181,057. In case you are finding an easy salary calculator, the average hourly pay of Optical Engineer IV is $87; the average weekly pay of Optical Engineer IV is $3,482; the average monthly pay of Optical Engineer IV is $15,088.
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 $228,367.
The highest pay for Optical Engineer IV is $200,872.
The lowest pay for Optical Engineer IV is $169,734.
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. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience.
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.
