Photonics Engineers
SOC code 17-2199 · O*NET-SOC 17-2199.07 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering
Photonics Engineers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$122,930
a year
Hourly
$59.10
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$125,330
$60.26 per hour
Middle 50%
$90,970 – $158,090
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$66,810 – $189,950
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
154,070
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Engineers, All Other”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $66,810
- $32.12/hr
- 25th percentile
- $90,970
- $43.73/hr
- Median percentile
- $122,930
- $59.10/hr
- 75th percentile
- $158,090
- $76.01/hr
- 90th percentile
- $189,950
- $91.32/hr
What does a photonics engineer do?
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Analyze system performance or operational requirements.
- Develop optical or imaging systems, such as optical imaging products, optical components, image processes, signal process technologies, or optical systems.
- Develop or test photonic prototypes or models.
- Design, integrate, or test photonics systems or components.
- Assist in the transition of photonic prototypes to production.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
- Write reports or proposals related to photonics research or development projects.
- Conduct testing to determine functionality or optimization or to establish limits of photonics systems or components.
How to become a photonics engineer
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 52% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree52%
- Master's Degree38%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%
- Doctoral Degree5%
Common questions
How much does a photonics engineer earn?
The national median is $122,930 a year. The full range runs from $66,810 at the 10th percentile to $189,950 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a photonics engineer without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Writing3.9/5
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Speaking3.6/5
- Mathematics3.6/5
- Active Learning3.6/5
- Science3.5/5
Knowledge areas
- Engineering and Technology4.8/5
- Mathematics4.6/5
- Physics4.6/5
- Computers and Electronics4.2/5
- Design4.0/5
- English Language3.3/5
- Mechanical3.1/5
- Telecommunications2.7/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.