A surface-emitting laser has a lower multilayer film reflecting mirror, an active layer, a current confinement layer, a clad layer, an upper multilayer film reflecting mirror, and an upper electrode formed in the order described on the upper surface of a substrate having a lower electrode formed on the lower surface thereof. The current confinement layer includes a conductive part and an insulating part surrounding the conductive part with the conductive part being defined by a sidewall surface that widens along a direction toward the active layer.