The invention relates to a sensor element for a measuring machine, having a sensing component with a sensing element (2) for optically measuring a surface; a sensing element receiving portion (3) with a plate-shaped base (8); and a sensor housing (1) with a sensing component receiving portion (5) comprising at least one bearing which contacts the base (8), which has at least one defined bearing point, and via which the sensing component is connected in a movable manner relative to the sensing component receiving portion (5). The sensor housing (1) has a coupling (4) on a housing coupling side for connecting to the measuring machine and at least partly surrounds the sensing component at the base (8), and a force directed in the direction of the sensing element (2) is applied to the base (8). The sensing component receiving portion (5) lies in the sensor housing (1) opposite the coupling side and has the at least one bearing, and the base (8) of the sensing component is arranged between the coupling side and the sensing component receiving portion (5). A centrally arranged cylindrical or spindle-shaped pressure spring (7) is arranged between the coupling side and the base (8) of the sensing component, said pressure spring pushing the base (8) against the at least one bearing and having an optical fiber which is guided in the longitudinal axis of the spring.