Photonics Engineers
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
Also called: Algorithm Developer, Display Engineer, DWDM Optical Network Engineer (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing Optical Network Engineer), Electro-optical Engineer, Electro-optics Engineer, Engineer
Median pay
$122,930
Pay for the broader BLS group “Engineers, All Other”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$66,810 – $189,950
People employed
154,070
Whole BLS group
Holland code
RIC
Realistic · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 2.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
Photonics Engineers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Engineers, All Other”.
What photonics engineers do
- 01Analyze system performance or operational requirements.
- 02Develop optical or imaging systems, such as optical imaging products, optical components, image processes, signal process technologies, or optical systems.
- 03Develop or test photonic prototypes or models.
- 04Design, integrate, or test photonics systems or components.
- 05Assist in the transition of photonic prototypes to production.
- 06Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Mathematics
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from photonics engineers
- Materials Scientists78% · —
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians78% · —
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians74% · group pay
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians72% · —
- Geodetic Surveyors70% · group pay
Change into photonics engineers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians72% · $74,510
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians70% · $66,120
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians70% · $66,120
- Biochemists and Biophysicists67% · $127,410
- Chemists67% · $91,240
Majors that lead here
- Engineering, General
- Applied Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
- Laser and Optical Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering Physics/Applied Physics
- Engineering Science
- Ocean Engineering
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.