Photonics Technician

Explore This Path

Perfect for those fascinated by lasers and cutting-edge optical technology.
Play a crucial role in advancing communication and medical technologies.
Work with precision tools to innovate in the world of light and optics.

💰 Earn $61K-$100K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

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What You’ll Do

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

Maintain clean working environments, according to clean room standards.
Compute or record photonic test data.
Adjust or maintain equipment, such as lasers, laser systems, microscopes, oscilloscopes, pulse generators, power meters, beam analyzers, or energy measurement devices.
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.
Document procedures, such as calibration of optical or fiber optic equipment.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Associate Degree

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Median Earnings

$78,910 in California

$73,500 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Reading Comprehension
Speaking

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having support
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Photonics Technician

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Workforce Development Program

A workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Find Training Near You

Find local programs, apprenticeships, or degrees to start your path.

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Learn More About The Industry

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The primary activities of this group involve designing and developing plans, blueprints, and technical specifications for buildings, machines, and other products, as well as testing and evaluating prototypes to ensure they meet required standards and regulations.