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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optical Network Engineer in California is $86,255 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, an Optical Network Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Optical Network Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $97,006 | $8,084 | $1,866 | $47 |
| Average | $86,255 | $7,188 | $1,659 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,942 | $6,662 | $1,537 | $38 |
DigiLens Inc. - Sunnyvale, CA
Tech Tammina - San Mateo, CA
BW Filling & Closing - Sacramento, CA
Damco - Menlo Park, CA
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 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 |
|---|---|
| Optical N... Level Optical Network Engineer | $85,465 |
| Network E... Level Optical Network Engineer | $101,964 |
| Network E... Level Optical Network Engineer | $123,346 |
| Network E... Level Optical Network Engineer | $144,961 |
| Network E... Level Optical Network Engineer | $165,971 |
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:
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:
For Optical Network Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Optical Network Engineer positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Optical Network Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $112,132 | $54.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $103,506 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $99,193 | $48.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $99,193 | $48.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $94,881 | $46.0 | 10% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $97,006 | $8,084 | $1,866 | $47 |
| Average | $86,255 | $7,188 | $1,659 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,942 | $6,662 | $1,537 | $38 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Optical Network Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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