Shape optimization of a rotor blade in a single-stage transonic axial compressor has been performed using a response surface method and three-dimensional Navier-Stokes analysis. Two shape variables of the rotor blade, which are used to define a blade skew, are introduced to increase an adiabatic efficiency. Throughout the shape optimization of a rotor blade, the adiabatic efficiency is increased to about 2.2 percent compared to that of the reference shape of the stator. The increase in efficiency for the optimal shape of the rotor is due to the pressure enhancement, which is mainly caused by moving the separation position on the suction surface of rotor blade to the downstream direction.