Photonics Technicians

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Career Profile

Photonics Technicians

What they do

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

Also Called: Fiber Optics Instructor, Fiber Optics Technician (Fiber Optics Tech), Laser Technician (Laser Tech), Optics Technician (Optics Tech), Optomechanical Technician (Optomechanical Tech), Photonics Laboratory Technician (Photonics Lab Tech), Photonics Technician (Photonics Tech), Ruling Technician (Ruling Tech), Fiber Optics Instructor, Fiber Optics Technician (Fiber Optics Tech), Laser Technician (Laser Tech), Optics Technician (Optics Tech), Optomechanical Technician (Optomechanical Tech), Photonics Laboratory Technician (Photonics Lab Tech), Photonics Technician (Photonics Tech), Ruling Technician (Ruling Tech)

KY Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$35,940
Starting Salary (2025)
$65,660
Median Salary (2025)
1.5%
Projected Job Growth
380
KY Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as necessary.
Recommend optical or optic equipment design or material changes to reduce costs or processing times.
Assist engineers in the development of new products, fixtures, tools, or processes.
Compute or record photonic test data.
Document procedures, such as calibration of optical or fiber optic equipment.

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Integrity
Cooperation
Persistence
Initiative

What key skills are needed for this job?

Reading Comprehension
Operations Monitoring
Active Listening
Quality Control Analysis
Monitoring
Complex Problem Solving

Expected Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Common Activities

Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 3

Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Associate's degree 32%
  • Some college 16%
  • High school diploma 12%
  • Post-secondary certificate 12%
  • Bachelor's degree 12%
  • Other 16%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Photonics Engineers
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Robotics Technicians
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.