Photonics Technicians

SOC code 17-3029 · O*NET-SOC 17-3029.08 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering

Photonics Technicians pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$78,350

a year

Hourly

$37.67

per hour

10th$47,030Median$78,35090th$118,330

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$80,960

$38.93 per hour

Middle 50%

$60,390 – $99,310

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$47,030 – $118,330

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

59,930

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 “Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $47,030; $22.61/hr
25th percentile: $60,390; $29.03/hr
Median percentile: $78,350; $37.67/hr
75th percentile: $99,310; $47.75/hr
90th percentile: $118,330; $56.89/hr

What does a photonics technician do?

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

The tasks that matter most day to day

Compute or record photonic test data.
Maintain clean working environments, according to clean room standards.
Adjust or maintain equipment, such as lasers, laser systems, microscopes, oscilloscopes, pulse generators, power meters, beam analyzers, or energy measurement devices.
Assemble fiber optical, optoelectronic, or free-space optics components, subcomponents, assemblies, or subassemblies.
Optimize photonic process parameters by making prototype or production devices.
Document procedures, such as calibration of optical or fiber optic equipment.
Set up or operate assembly or processing equipment, such as lasers, cameras, die bonders, wire bonders, dispensers, reflow ovens, soldering irons, die shears, wire pull testers, temperature or humidity chambers, or optical spectrum analyzers.
Splice fibers, using fusion splicing or other techniques.

How to become a photonics technician

Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 41% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

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

Common questions

How much does a photonics technician earn?

The national median is $78,350 a year. The full range runs from $47,030 at the 10th percentile to $118,330 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 technician without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.5/5
Active Listening3.4/5
Critical Thinking3.4/5
Active Learning3.3/5
Monitoring3.3/5
Writing3.1/5
Speaking3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Engineering and Technology3.9/5
Computers and Electronics3.8/5
Mathematics3.5/5
Mechanical3.4/5
Production and Processing3.2/5
English Language3.2/5
Physics3.2/5
Customer and Personal Service3.0/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Equipment Maintenance.