As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optical Engineer IV in Big Sur, CA is $144,360 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.
However, an Optical Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Engineer I | 2-4 years | $97,096 |
| Optical Engineer II | 4-7 years | $124,045 |
| Optical Engineer IV | 7+ years | $144,360 |
| Optical Engineer IV | 7-10 years | $188,460 |
What Am I Worth?
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 $161,974. While startup companies pay approximate $137,044.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $137,044 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $144,926 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $156,434 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $161,974 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $202,103 | $97.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $187,667 | $90.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $187,667 | $90.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $180,449 | $87.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $173,231 | $83.0 | 20% |
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 July 01, 2026For 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 $188,460 - a projected growth of 31% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Optical Engineer IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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