The shape optimization of blade sweep in a transonic axial compressor rotor of NASA Rotor 37 has been performed using response surface method and the three-dimensional Wavier-Stokes analysis. Two shape variables of the rotor blade, which are used to define the rotor sweep, are introduced to increase the adiabatic efficiency of the compressor. Throughout the optimization, optimal shape having a backward sweep is obtained. Adiabatic efficiency, which is the objective function of the present optimization, is successfully increased. Separation line due to the interference between a shock and surface boundary layer on the blade suction surface is moved downstream for the optimized blade compared to the reference one. The increase in adiabatic efficiency for the optimized blade is caused by suppression of the separation due to a shock on the blade suction surface.