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Engineering

Photonics Engineers

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

Median salary (BLS)

$122,930

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$67k – $190k

Job outlook

+2% (about average)

AI exposure

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one wage for this occupational group, which covers 8 related roles — so read the median as an approximate group figure, and the range as the truer picture for this specific title. BLS source.

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $99,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Photonics Engineers

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Bachelor's degree

Plan my path to this →

Typical progression

  1. Photonics Engineers Intern

    Internship

    $36,000

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Photonics Engineers

    Entry / Junior

    $66,810

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Photonics Engineers

    Established

    $122,930

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Photonics Engineers

    Senior

    $156,440

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Analyze system performance or operational requirements.
  • •Develop optical or imaging systems, such as optical imaging products, optical components, image processes, signal process technologies, or optical systems.
  • •Develop or test photonic prototypes or models.
  • •Design, integrate, or test photonics systems or components.
  • •Assist in the transition of photonic prototypes to production.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Engineering

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.