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Optical Engineer salary in United Kingdom

Average Yearly Salary of Optical Engineer in United Kingdom is approximately 71,453 GBP (84,184 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Optical Engineer do?

occupation personasAn optical engineer is a professional who specializes in the design, development, and implementation of optical systems and devices. They work with various technologies related to light, such as lasers, lenses, and fiber optics, to create and improve products like cameras, telescopes, and medical imaging devices. Optical engineers are involved in the entire product lifecycle, from concept and design to testing and manufacturing. Their responsibilities include conducting research, analyzing data, and using computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop optical components and systems. They may also collaborate with other engineers and scientists to solve technical problems, optimize performance, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Additionally, optical engineers may be involved in troubleshooting issues, conducting experiments, and providing technical support to customers or clients.

Skills: Optical engineer, Optics, Optical systems, Laser technology, Fiber optics, Imaging devices
Job industry: Engineering


How much does Optical Engineer make?

Salary details
How much does Optical Engineer make?
Estimated Yearly Salary: 71,453 GBP
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,954 GBP
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,374 GBP per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 34 GBP per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 68,951 GBP
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,746 GBP
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,326 GBP per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 33 GBP per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-04-18



Optical Engineer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 84,184 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,015 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,619 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 40 USD per hour


Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately up arrow 4 %

About these results Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.

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Salary comparison to National average

The United Kingdom, also known as the UK, is a country located in northwestern Europe. It consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. With a population of approximately 66 million people, it is the fifth-largest economy in the world. The UK covers an area of around 93,600 square miles, making it the 78th largest country by size.

Estimated national average yearly salary is 41,537 GBP (48,890 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Optical Engineer job salary compared to average salary in United Kingdom.
Comparison shows that a person working as Optical Engineer in United Kingdom earns on average:
1.72 times the average salary (or 172% of average salary).

Is Optical Engineer a well paid job?

Yes, our data shows that Optical Engineer is a well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Optical Engineer?

High salary for Optical Engineer would be somewhere between 78,598 GBP and 103,607 GBP. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Optical Engineer in United Kingdom?

Living in United Kingdom the approximate monthly expenses are: 1,956 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 71,453 GBP
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,954 GBP
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,374 GBP per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 34 GBP per hour
By working as Optical Engineer a person can save up to 5,060 USD per month or 60,717 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United Kingdom, see costs of living in United Kingdom.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Ireland.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Optical Engineer

Ireland is 151,769 USDup arrow 80%
Details on Optical Engineer salary in Ireland
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

    0 years (beginner) equals base salary
    1 to 5 years of experience yields up arrow+12% salary increase
    6 to 10 years of experience yields up arrow+25% salary increase
    11 to 15 years of experience yields up arrow+16% salary increase
    16 to 25 years of experience yields up arrow+9% salary increase
    more than 25 years of experience yields up arrow+10% salary increase
NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in United Kingdom

(906,313 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
(398,557 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
(396,499 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
(332,162 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
(330,298 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
(320,143 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
(319,848 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
(310,506 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
(309,585 GBP per year, pre-tax.)
(309,338 GBP per year, pre-tax.)

Data as of 2025

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The salary data on this site is intended for reference purposes exclusively. We provide salary insights based on multiple datasets, but do not guarantee absolute accuracy. Users should always cross-check salary details with other trusted sources before making career-related choices. Fluctuations in salary amounts may occur due to several circumstances, including location, experience, and industry. We do not extend any warranty regarding the entirety of the provided salary information. Use of optisalary.com constitutes acceptance of these terms.
Salary details displayed on this website are intended for informational purposes only. Our data comes from various sources and may not always be up to date. Users should cross-reference salary information independently before making employment decisions. The figures listed here may fluctuate due to factors such as company policies, experience levels, and demand shifts. We do not guarantee that the data displayed is error-free. By accessing this website, you accept that salary information is presented 'as is' and without warranties.