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.
What does a Photonics Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$47,010
10th percentile
Early Career
$59,700
25th percentile
Median
$77,390
50th percentile
Experienced
$97,760
75th percentile
Top Earners
$114,630
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$47,010
25th
$59,700
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$77,390
Mean: $79,740
75th
$97,760
90th
$114,630
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $67,620 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $59,700 and $97,760
- •Salary spread is 49.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 64,410 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:67,300
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services30.3%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services30.3%
Manufacturing26.6%
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
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Photonics Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
8,570 jobs$72,5501.48x
California
7,840 jobs$83,3501.04x
Virginia
3,810 jobs$95,6402.24x
Maryland
2,680 jobs$104,8302.33x
Florida
2,440 jobs$72,7900.59x
Washington
2,310 jobs$96,1201.56x
New York
2,200 jobs$64,0800.55x
Georgia
2,140 jobs$60,9601.05x
Pennsylvania
2,120 jobs$65,9800.84x
Louisiana
2,020 jobs$65,7402.53x
Ohio
1,460 jobs$68,1700.63x
North Carolina
1,400 jobs$74,2100.68x
Colorado
1,320 jobs$74,3601.09x
Michigan
1,290 jobs$66,8200.70x
Illinois
1,160 jobs$78,7300.46x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Active Listening
86%
#4
Operations Monitoring
80%
#5
Quality Control Analysis
74%
#6
Active Learning
66%
#7
Monitoring
60%
#8
Equipment Maintenance
54%
#9
Writing
46%
#10
Complex Problem Solving
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.0
80%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.7
74%
Active Learning
intermediate3.3
66%
Monitoring
intermediate3.0
60%
Equipment Maintenance
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Writing
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Nuclear Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Inspectors67%
5 shared skills
Chemical Plant and System Operators67%
5 shared skills
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists67%
5 shared skills
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment67%
5 shared skills
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Equipment Maintenance
- →Monitoring
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Quality Control Analysis
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Photonics Technicians
Technology Intensity
Low
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires basic digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Email and internet usageBasic software navigationFile management
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Photonics Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Photonics Technicians professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value achievement
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Photonics Technicians
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.50
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.32
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.14
Integrity
ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level3.86
Persistence
ImportantPersistence
Importance Level3.82
Analytical Thinking
ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level3.81
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.5
Dependability
4.3
Cooperation
4.1
Integrity
3.9
Persistence
3.8
Analytical Thinking
3.8
Initiative
3.6
Achievement/Effort
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
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