Optical Engineer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 113 certified H-1B filings for Optical Engineer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $136,250, which is 4% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Optical Engineer H-1B salaries fall between $104,874 and $148,054.
Median Salary Trend
Optical Engineer salaries have grown 63% from FY 2020 ($100,526) to FY 2026 ($164,000).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Optical Engineer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| KLA | 23 | $142,389 |
| META | 12 | $164,000 |
| MICROSOFT | 10 | $156,300 |
| OPTOFIDELITY | 4 | $120,000 |
| 4 | $140,000 | |
| BASIC SOLUTIONS | 4 | $94,931 |
| SUNNY OPOTECH NORTH AMERICA | 3 | $100,526 |
| WALTER KIDDE PORTABLE EQUIPMENT | 3 | $79,498 |
| NUPHOTON TECHNOLOGIES | 3 | $77,646 |
| LEIA | 3 | $140,000 |
Top Locations for Optical Engineer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Milpitas, CA | 22 | $143,974 |
| Redmond, WA | 16 | $140,226 |
| Menlo Park, CA | 11 | $140,000 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 8 | $156,424 |
| Mountain View, CA | 7 | $143,700 |
| San Jose, CA | 4 | $104,874 |
| Murrieta, CA | 3 | $77,646 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 3 | $118,905 |
| Cupertino, CA | 3 | $165,000 |
| Bradenton, FL | 2 | $95,118 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Optical Engineer is $136,250, based on 113 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 4% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Median pay has grown 63% since FY 2020 ($100,526 → $164,000).
Salaries span a $79,290 range from the 10th percentile ($90,000) to the 90th percentile ($169,290). The middle 50% of Optical Engineers earn between $104,874 and $148,054, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
KLA is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 23 certified filings at a median salary of $142,389. Among the top sponsors, META pays the highest median at $164,000. The pay spread across top employers is 111%.
Geographically, Milpitas, CA has the highest concentration of Optical Engineer H-1B filings (22) at a median of $143,974. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is Cupertino, CA at $165,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Optical Engineer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Optical Engineer positions is $136,250, based on 113 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 4% higher than the overall H-1B median of $130,707. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $148,054 to $169,290, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $90,000 to $104,874. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $90,000
- 25th percentile
- $104,874
- Median
- $136,250
- 75th percentile
- $148,054
- 90th percentile
- $169,290
Salaries range from $90,000 at the 10th percentile to $169,290 at the 90th percentile, showing a $79,290 spread. The 25th percentile is $104,874 and the 75th percentile is $148,054.
Which companies hire the most Optical Engineers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Optical Engineer positions spans various industries and employer types. The top sponsors reflect where demand for this role is highest, with compensation varying based on employer size, industry sector, and geographic location. Larger employers often have established visa sponsorship programs and immigration support.
KLA is the largest H-1B sponsor for Optical Engineer positions with 23 filings at a median salary of $142,389. META follows with 12 filings.
Where are Optical Engineer H-1B jobs located?
Optical Engineer H-1B positions are concentrated in major tech hubs and metropolitan areas with strong technology ecosystems. The San Francisco Bay Area (including San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View) and Seattle-Redmond corridor dominate due to headquarters of major tech employers. New York City attracts Optical Engineers across finance, media, and tech sectors. Emerging hubs like Austin, Denver, and Raleigh-Durham offer growing opportunities with lower costs of living compared to coastal cities.
Milpitas, CA has the highest concentration of Optical Engineer H-1B filings with 22 positions at a median salary of $143,974. The highest-paying location is Sunnyvale, CA at $156,424 median.
How have Optical Engineer salaries changed over time?
Optical Engineer H-1B salaries have grown by +63% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $100,526 to $164,000 during this period. This growth reflects increasing demand for skilled tech workers, competitive hiring among major employers, and broader salary inflation in the technology sector. The distribution has also widened, with top-tier companies offering increasingly premium compensation to attract talent, while entry-level positions have seen more modest gains.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $142,517 (17 certified)
- FY 2023: $150,000 (13 certified)
- FY 2024: $142,389 (15 certified)
- FY 2025: $131,800 (13 certified)
- FY 2026: $164,000 (3 certified)