Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
Photonics Engineers
SOC: 17-2199 O*NET: 17-2199.07
Median Salary
$117,750
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.1%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
9.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
What does a Photonics Engineers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$62,840
10th percentile
Early Career
$85,750
25th percentile
Median
$117,750
50th percentile
Experienced
$152,670
75th percentile
Top Earners
$183,510
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$62,840
25th
$85,750
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$117,750
Mean: $121,720
75th
$152,670
90th
$183,510
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $120,670 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $85,750 and $152,670
- •Salary spread is 56.8% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 150,750 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:158,800
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services24.8%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services24.8%
Manufacturing24.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.1%
Annual Openings:9,300
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)158,800
Current
2034 (Projected)162,100
+2.1%
+3,300
Employment Change
+2.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Photonics Engineers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
26,500 jobs$128,8301.50x
Texas
9,900 jobs$115,9500.73x
Florida
9,120 jobs$103,9200.95x
Louisiana
7,630 jobs$95,5504.08x
Maryland
6,670 jobs$135,9902.49x
Michigan
6,630 jobs$103,8001.54x
Virginia
5,980 jobs$142,1101.51x
Ohio
5,970 jobs$113,8801.10x
New York
5,020 jobs$113,3800.54x
Pennsylvania
4,710 jobs$103,5800.80x
Tennessee
4,610 jobs$97,9901.44x
North Carolina
4,230 jobs$106,9600.88x
Georgia
3,970 jobs$115,7900.84x
New Jersey
3,910 jobs$131,9600.94x
Alabama
3,370 jobs$146,4801.65x
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
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Engineering and Technology
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
100%
#3
Deductive Reasoning
100%
#4
Mathematics
94%
#5
Reading Comprehension
94%
#6
Inductive Reasoning
92%
#7
Mathematics
86%
#8
Design
86%
#9
Mathematical Reasoning
82%
#10
Physics
80%
Skills Overview
Engineering and Technology
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Deductive Reasoning
advanced5.0
100%
Mathematics
advanced4.7
94%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Inductive Reasoning
advanced4.6
92%
Mathematics
intermediate4.3
86%
Design
intermediate4.3
86%
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:
Engineering and Technology
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Deductive Reasoning
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Mathematics
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Inductive Reasoning
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Design
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Mathematical Reasoning
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Physics
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance74%
knowledge
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Actuaries82%
5 shared skills
Aerospace Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Computer Hardware Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Energy Auditors82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Engineering and Technology
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Design
- ✓Physics
Learn on the Job:
- →Systems Analysis
- →Writing
- →Speaking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Engineering and Technology
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Design
- ✓Physics
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Mathematics
- ★Engineering and Technology
- ★Mathematics
- ★Design
- ★Physics
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 Engineers
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 Engineers
💡 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 Engineers professionals typically have a IRC Holland code and highly value achievement
IInvestigative
RRealistic
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Photonics Engineers
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.57
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.39
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.00
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.00
Innovation
Very ImportantInnovation
Importance Level4.00
Achievement/Effort
ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level3.96
Complete Work Styles Profile
Analytical Thinking
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.4
Dependability
4.0
Integrity
4.0
Innovation
4.0
Achievement/Effort
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.8
Persistence
3.8
Stress Tolerance
3.6
Initiative
3.5
💡 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
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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