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Optical Engineer V Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optical Engineer V in the United States is $182,727 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $88.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $201,514
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $173,555 to $192,561
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $165,204
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Optical Engineer V Salaries

An Optical Engineer V'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 V Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Optical Engineer V'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 III (7+ years): $139,963
  • Optical Engineer V (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 III7+ years$139,963
Optical Engineer V7-10 years$182,727
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How Do Optical Engineer Vs 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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $202,315.
  • California: $201,548.
  • Massachusetts: $198,862.

Top Paying Cities for Optical Engineer V

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: $230,474
  • San Francisco: $227,950
  • Oakland: $223,146

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

Optical Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $205,254. While startup companies pay approximate $173,710.

Optical Engineer V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $173,710
Growth Stage 51~500 $183,696
Established 501~5000 $198,232
Enterprise 5000+ $205,254

Optical Engineer V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Optical Engineer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Optical Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Optical Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Optical Engineer V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$237,545$114.030%
Aerospace & Defense$210,136$101.015%

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

Understanding how an Optical Engineer V'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
$173,555
Average $182,727/year
$192,561
$14,463
Average $15,227/month
$16,047
$3,338
Average $3,514/week
$3,703
$83
Average $88/hour
$93
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $192,561 $16,047 $3,703 $93
Average $182,727 $15,227 $3,514 $88
25th Percentile $173,555 $14,463 $3,338 $83

Most common benefits for Optical Engineer V

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

Common company salaries for Optical Engineer V

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

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FAQ about Optical Engineer V

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

An Optical Engineer V'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 V earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Optical Engineer V is $230,474.

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

The highest pay for Optical Engineer V is $201,514.

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

The lowest pay for Optical Engineer V is $165,204.

4. What are the responsibilities of Optical Engineer V?

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.

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Optical Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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