Photonics Technicians
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.
Median pay: $78,350/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +1.5% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 5,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Compute or record photonic test data.
• Maintain clean working environments, according to clean room standards.
• Adjust or maintain equipment, such as lasers, laser systems, microscopes, oscilloscopes, pulse generators, power meters, beam analyzers, or energy measurement devices.
• Document procedures, such as calibration of optical or fiber optic equipment.
• Set up or operate assembly or processing equipment, such as lasers, cameras, die bonders, wire bonders, dispensers, reflow ovens, soldering irons, die shears, wire pull testers, temperature or humidity chambers, or optical spectrum analyzers.
• Assist scientists or engineers in the conduct of photonic experiments.
• Test or perform failure analysis for optomechanical or optoelectrical products, according to test plans.
• Assist engineers in the development of new products, fixtures, tools, or processes.
What's the median pay for Photonics Technicians?
The median pay for Photonics Technicians is $78,350 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Photonics Technicians?
Employment for Photonics Technicians is projected to change +1.5% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Photonics Technicians?
Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Photonics Technicians?
About 5,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.