Photonics Engineers
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
Photonics Engineers design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology. The role reports a median annual salary of $117,750 in the US and is showing modest growth of 2% over the next decade. Entry typically requires a Bachelor's degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.52 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include optical equipment standards, optical glass characteristics, photonics, engineering principles, optics.
Top skills
Frequently asked questions
What does Photonics Engineers do?
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
How much does Photonics Engineers earn?
The median annual salary for Photonics Engineers in the US is $117,750.
What is the job outlook for Photonics Engineers?
The role is showing modest growth of 2% over the next decade. Current US employment is approximately 158,800 workers.
How do I become photonics engineers?
The typical entry education is a Bachelor's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Photonics Engineers need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include optical equipment standards, optical glass characteristics, photonics, engineering principles, optics, types of optical instruments. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Photonics Engineers?
Our AI-durability model gives Photonics Engineers a score of 0.52 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Photonics Engineers has moderate barrier to entry — moderately gated — a bachelor's degree or equivalent training is typically required.
Is Photonics Engineers right for you?
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