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Optical Engineer V Salary in Watton, MI

How much does an Optical Engineer V make in Watton, MI?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optical Engineer V in Watton, MI is $170,623 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $82.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $188,166
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $162,059 to $179,806
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $154,261
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): $87,899
  • Optical Engineer II (4-7 years): $112,301
  • Optical Engineer III (7+ years): $130,692
  • Optical Engineer V (7-10 years): $170,623
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Optical Engineer I2-4 years$87,899
Optical Engineer II4-7 years$112,301
Optical Engineer III7+ years$130,692
Optical Engineer V7-10 years$170,623
View as Graph

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 $191,658. While startup companies pay approximate $162,203.

Optical Engineer V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $162,203
Growth Stage 51~500 $171,528
Established 501~5000 $185,101
Enterprise 5000+ $191,658

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
$162,059
Average $170,623/year
$179,806
$13,505
Average $14,219/month
$14,984
$3,117
Average $3,281/week
$3,458
$78
Average $82/hour
$86
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $179,806 $14,984 $3,458 $86
Average $170,623 $14,219 $3,281 $82
25th Percentile $162,059 $13,505 $3,117 $78

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Cost of Living In Watton, MI

Cost of Living in Watton, MI is
1.8% Higher
than the National Average

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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