Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.
Photonics Technicians
SOC: 17-3029 O*NET: 17-3029.08
Median Salary
$77,390
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.5%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
5.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$46,434
25th
$61,912
50th (Median)
$77,390
75th
$92,868
90th
$116,085
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:67,300
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.5%
Annual Openings:5,700
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)67,300
Current
2034 (Projected)68,300
+1.5%
+1,000
Employment Change
+1.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
Top Skills
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
✓
Quality Control Analysis
Quality Control Analysis
✓
Active Learning
Active Learning
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Equipment Maintenance
Equipment Maintenance
✓
Writing
Writing
✓
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Engineering and Technology
✓
Computers and Electronics
✓
Mathematics
✓
Mechanical
✓
Production and Processing
✓
English Language
✓
Physics
✓
Customer and Personal Service
Education & Training
Education Required
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Experience Required
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Job Training
Training of more than one year