Should you pick your degree based on future salary?
After graduation, optical engineering graduates typically earn high salaries compared to the national average. Top earners make $134,569, while the bottom 20% make closer to $60,876. The median grad salary is $90,510.
Optical Engineering graduate salaries over time
The typical early career salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree in optical engineering is $58,054, and within five years of graduation, this average salary goes up to $71,138.
This chart maps the average workforce wage by years of experience:
Wage ($USD)
Wage Range Median Wage
Years of work experience
Pro tip
Still unsure if a degree in optical engineering is your calling? Read our comprehensive guide on choosing a career
