As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optical Network Engineer in the United States is $78,184 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Optical Network Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Optical Network Engineer'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Optical Network Engineer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Optical Network Engineer | $77,064 |
| Intermediate Level Optical Network Engineer | $77,758 |
| Senior Level Optical Network Engineer | $79,888 |
| Specialist Level Optical Network Engineer | $80,314 |
| Expert Level Optical Network Engineer | $80,598 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Network Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Networking | 8.24% |
| Network Infrastructure | 2.66% |
| Telecommunications | 1.87% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Consulting
|
$85,221 |
9%
|
|
Linux
|
$82,093 |
5%
|
|
Project Management
|
$81,311 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$81,311 |
4%
|
|
AWS
|
$81,311 |
4%
|
|
Network Management
|
$81,311 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Optical Network Engineers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Optical Network Engineer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $71,757 and $75,788).
Optical Network Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 18.6% |
| Associates | 21.1% |
| Bachelors | 46.2% |
| Masters | 13.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how an Optical Network Engineer'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for an Optical Network Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $68,083 in 2023 to around $67,725 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Optical Network Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $68,083 |
| 2024 | $68,170 |
| 2025 | $67,725 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Optical Network Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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