How to become a Photonics Engineer

Official title: Photonics Engineers

Also called: Algorithm Developer, Laser Engineer, Optical Design Engineer, Optical Engineer, Optical Specialist, Optical Systems Engineer, Optoelectronics Engineer, Research and Development Engineer (R and D Engineer), Research Engineer

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

Main tasks

• 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.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
• Write reports or proposals related to photonics research or development projects.
• Conduct testing to determine functionality or optimization or to establish limits of photonics systems or components.

How to become one

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree

Ways in

• College: Engineering degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US
• Licence: A licence is required in 45 states.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $122,930 a year The middle half earn $90,970 to $158,090.
• About 166,700 people work in this job now, and about 173,000 are projected by 2035. (+3.7%)
• People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

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• Mechatronics Engineers
• Solar Energy Systems Engineers
• Microsystems Engineers
• Robotics Engineers

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Photonics Engineer?

Ways in include: Engineering degrees.

How much does a Photonics Engineer earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $122,930 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $90,970 to $158,090.

Is a Photonics Engineer a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 166,700 to about 173,000 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Photonics Engineer?

Usually. 84% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Photonics Engineer?

People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.