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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Photonics Engineers

Median Salary
111,970
Job Outlook
N/A

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$55,050

10%

$111,970

Median

$158,830

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    52%

  • Master's degree

    38%

  • Doctoral degree

    4%

  • Associate's degree

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Engineering, Other
  • Engineering, General
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Construction Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Biological/Biosystems Engineering
  • Engineering Physics/Applied Physics
  • Systems Engineering
  • Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
  • Water Resources Engineering
  • Geological/Geophysical Engineering
  • Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
  • Energy Systems Engineering, General
  • Engineering Design
  • Nanotechnology
  • Applied Engineering
  • Engineering Mechanics
  • Engineering Science
  • Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering
  • Biochemical Engineering
  • Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
  • Telecommunications Engineering
  • Ocean Engineering
  • Laser and Optical Engineering
  • Surveying Engineering
  • Energy Systems Engineering, Other
  • Electromechanical Engineering
  • Engineering Chemistry
  • Paper Science and Engineering
  • Forest Engineering

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Design
  • Computers and Electronics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.