Description
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
Interests
- Investigative
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Achievement
- Independence
- Working Conditions
Work Styles
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Innovation
- Integrity
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.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Getting Information
- Processing Information
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Presentation software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Development environment software
- Object or component oriented development software
Abilities
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Written Comprehension
- Mathematical Reasoning
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
- Design
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certified Fiber Optic InstructorCertifying Organization
The Fiber Optic Association Inc.
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Photonics Technician SpecialistCertifying Organization
ETA International
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Certified Fiber Optic TechnicianCertifying Organization
The Fiber Optic Association Inc.
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $77,623 |
| Median (50%) | $111,576 |
| High (90%) | $159,980 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | N/A |
| Mid Level | N/A |
| Senior Level | N/A |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 161,100 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 169,200 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 5%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 5%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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