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Architecture & Engineering · Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

Also called: Certified Laser Technician (Certified Laser Tech), Electro-Optics Technician (Electro-Optics Tech), Fiber Optics Assembler, Fiber Optics Cabling Specialist, Fiber Optics Design Technician (Fiber Optics Design Tech), Fiber Optics Instructor

Is this career right for me?

Median pay

$78,350

Pay for the broader BLS group “Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other”

Pay range (10th–90th)

$47,030 – $118,330

People employed

59,930

Whole BLS group

Holland code

RCI

Realistic · Conventional · Investigative

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. 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
  2. 2.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
  3. 3.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
  4. 4.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
  5. 5.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?

The hard parts

  • Tight deadlines are common

Photonics Technicians pay by state

Highest-paying states

Maine$107,060
New Mexico$101,750
Maryland$99,970
Washington$99,720
Virginia$98,410

Lowest-paying states

Vermont$52,770
Tennessee$58,700
Louisiana$58,960

Annual median pay by state (49 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other”.

Photonics Technicians salary in every state →

What photonics technicians do

  1. 01Compute or record photonic test data.
  2. 02Maintain clean working environments, according to clean room standards.
  3. 03Adjust or maintain equipment, such as lasers, laser systems, microscopes, oscilloscopes, pulse generators, power meters, beam analyzers, or energy measurement devices.
  4. 04Assemble fiber optical, optoelectronic, or free-space optics components, subcomponents, assemblies, or subassemblies.
  5. 05Optimize photonic process parameters by making prototype or production devices.
  6. 06Document procedures, such as calibration of optical or fiber optic equipment.

Skills that matter most

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Active Learning
  • Monitoring
  • Writing

Knowledge

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical
  • English Language

Work styles that stand out

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cautiousness

Education and first steps

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)27%
Post-Secondary Certificate9%
Some College Courses5%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree41%
Bachelor's Degree14%
Master's Degree5%

Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.

How people get started

  • Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
  • Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 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)

Realistic7.00
Investigative4.18
Artistic1.00
Social1.00
Enterprising1.00
Conventional5.46

O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.

Career changes

Change from photonics technicians

See all jobs for former photonics technicians →

Change into photonics technicians

Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).

Jobs similar to photonics technicians →

Majors that lead here

  • Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Laser and Optical Technology/Technician
  • Audio Engineering Technology/Technician
  • Biomedical Technology/Technician
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician
  • Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians, Other
  • Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology/Technician
  • Metallurgical Technology/Technician
  • Welding Engineering Technology/Technician
  • Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician
  • Composite Materials Technology/Technician

From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.

Free help near you

You can get free career counseling, job search help and, if you qualify, help paying for training through American Job Centers, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Find an American Job CenterFind training programs

Links go to CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Keep exploring

Sources. O*NET 31.0 Database (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0): description, tasks, skills, knowledge, work styles, education, interests and work context. Pay and employment: BLS OEWS May 2025 (national and state). Majors: NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. Data Sources & Licenses