As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Optical Network Engineer in Carthage, NC is $71,191 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
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, skills 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 | $70,539 |
| Network E... Level Optical Network Engineer | $84,156 |
| Network E... Level Optical Network Engineer | $101,802 |
| Network E... Level Optical Network Engineer | $119,634 |
| Network E... Level Optical Network Engineer | $136,978 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Networking | 8.24% |
| Network Infrastructure | 2.66% |
| Telecommunications | 1.87% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Consulting
|
$77,598 |
9%
|
|
Linux
|
$74,750 |
5%
|
|
Project Management
|
$74,038 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$74,038 |
4%
|
|
AWS
|
$74,038 |
4%
|
|
Network Management
|
$74,038 |
4%
|
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 May 01, 2026Ready 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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