Photonics Technicians Salary in California
Photonics Technicians in California earn a median of $80,480 a year, +3% compared with the U.S. median. Figures are for the broader BLS group “Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other”.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $80,480
- vs. U.S. median
- +3% ($78,350)
- Rank among states
- 17 of 49
- Jobs in the state
- 7,330
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $52,060; the top 10% earn over $128,880. Nationally the range is $47,030 to $118,330.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians$81,550 median in California
- Robotics Technicians$81,550 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment$87,080 median in California
- Automotive Engineering Technicians$87,390 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Avionics Technicians$92,480 median in California
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$86,090 median in California
Photonics Technicians pay in California
How much do photonics technicians make in California?
The median is $80,480 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $52,060 and the top 10% earn over $128,880. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for photonics technicians?
On pay alone it ranks 17 of 49 (+3% vs. the national median of $78,350). Living costs are not included.