How Much Does an Optical Specialist make?

Optical Specialist made a median salary around $338,323 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $387,209 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $286,150. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $286,150 10% $238,649 90% $431,716 75% $387,209 $338,323 50%(Median)
Check out Optical Specialist jobs in Columbus, Ohio

Operations Specialist

CHS Inc - WINNER, SD

Operations Specialist

CHS Inc - GARRISON, ND

Operations Specialist

CHS Inc - ELROSA, MN

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Best-Paying Cities for Optical Specialist

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Optical Specialist profession are San Jose , San Francisco , Oakland , New York , Queens Village .
San Jose, CA $424,595
San Francisco, CA $422,904
Oakland, CA $412,754
New York, NY $395,161
Queens Village, NY $392,455

Best-Paying States for Optical Specialist

The states and districts that pay Optical Specialist the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $376,554) , California (around $373,170) , New Jersey (around $370,802) , Alaska (around $368,434) , and Massachusetts (around $368,095) .
District of Columbia $376,554
California $373,170
New Jersey $370,802
Alaska $368,434
Massachusetts $368,095

Frequently Asked Questions for Optical Specialist

Q: What is the salary range of Optical Specialist?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Optical Specialist earned an average annual salary of $286,150 , while the highest-paid made $387,209.
Q: What is the salary for an Optical Specialist in California?
A: Optical Specialist employed in California earned an average salary of $373,170 in 2025.

Average Optical Specialist Pay vs. Other Jobs

Optical Specialist earned an average salary of $338,323 in 2025. Other jobs related to Optical Specialist earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Optical Engineer III made $155,334 , Optical Design Engineer IV made $197,400 , Optical Manager Sams Optical and Optical Assistant made $141,191 and $49,812 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Optical Specialist

Optical Engineer III - Average Salary $155,334
Optical Engineer III 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. Being an Optical Engineer III 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. Additionally, Optical Engineer III 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. The Optical Engineer III work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. To be an Optical Engineer III typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
Optical Design Engineer IV - Average Salary $197,400
The Optical Design Engineer IV conducts research and development to develop component and system specifications, designs, and testing methodologies. Designs, models, analyzes, and tests optical, electro-optical, and opto mechanical systems and components. Being an Optical Design Engineer IV typically requires a master's degree in optical engineering, electrical engineering, physics. Utilizes optical design software and modeling tools such as Zemax and FRED. In addition, Optical Design Engineer IV typically reports to a manager. Being an Optical Design Engineer IV work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Working as an Optical Design Engineer IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
Optical Manager Sams Optical - Average Salary $141,191
There is currently no job description for Optical Manager Sams Optical, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Optical Manager Sams Optical.
Optical Assistant - Average Salary $49,812
There is currently no job description for Optical Assistant, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Optical Assistant.
Optical Manager - Average Salary $82,602
There is currently no job description for Optical Manager, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Optical Manager.