How Much Does an Optical Specialist make?

Optical Specialist made a median salary around $323,992 in May, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $366,077 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $275,520. 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% $275,520 10% $231,388 90% $404,394 75% $366,077 $323,992 50%(Median)
Check out Optical Specialist jobs in Wilmington, North Carolina

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Best-Paying Cities for Optical Specialist

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Optical Specialist profession are Cary , Garner , Knightdale , Raleigh , Apex .
Cary, NC $347,192
Garner, NC $347,192
Knightdale, NC $347,192
Raleigh, NC $347,192
Apex, NC $346,874

Best-Paying States for Optical Specialist

The states and districts that pay Optical Specialist the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $391,577) , California (around $390,092) , Massachusetts (around $384,893) , Washington (around $383,478) , and New Jersey (around $383,337) .
District of Columbia $391,577
California $390,092
Massachusetts $384,893
Washington $383,478
New Jersey $383,337

Frequently Asked Questions for Optical Specialist

Q: What is the salary range of Optical Specialist in Wilmington, NC?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Optical Specialist in Wilmington, NC earned an average annual salary of $275,520 , while the highest-paid made $366,077.
Q: What is the salary for an Optical Specialist in California?
A: Optical Specialist employed in California earned an average salary of $390,092 in 2025.

Average Optical Specialist Pay vs. Other Jobs

Optical Specialist earned an average salary of $323,992 in 2025. Other jobs related to Optical Specialist earned the following average salary in May, 2025. Optical Engineer III made $127,600 , Optical Design Engineer IV made $165,900 , Optical Manager Sams Optical and Optical Assistant made $130,081 and $51,965 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Optical Specialist

Optical Engineer III - Average Salary $127,600
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. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
Optical Design Engineer IV - Average Salary $165,900
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 $130,081
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 $51,965
There is currently no job description for Optical Assistant, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Optical Assistant.
Optical Manager - Average Salary $67,587
There is currently no job description for Optical Manager, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Optical Manager.