A high School diploma, emphasizing mathematics, physics, and electronics, and an Associate Degree, a two-year degree in photonics technology, fiber optics, laser electro-optics, or a related field from an accredited community college or technical school, is generally required for job placement. Optional certifications such as Certified Photonics Technician (CPT) can enhance job prospects.

Optics and Laser Technology takes understanding the principles of optics, laser systems, and photonics applications, where technical skills and a proficiency in handling, maintaining, and troubleshooting photonics equipment and systems is needed. This includes a knowledge of safety protocols and laser safety standards and procedures.

Daily tasks include equipment operation, such as maintaining laser systems, optical instruments, and equipment, as well as troubleshooting, diagnosing and repairing issues with photonics systems to ensure optimal performance. This includes testing and measurement tests, i.e. using specialized equipment to analyze light properties and system performance. The job can also involve the assembly and installation of photonics components and systems in industrial various settings or within a research laboratory.

Examples of Specialized Career Tracks are: Fiber Optics Technician: Working with fiber optic cables for telecommunications, including installation, splicing, and testing; Laser Technician: Focusing on the operation and maintenance of laser systems for applications in manufacturing, medicine, or research; Optical Technician: Handling optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms for imaging and measurement systems; etc.

Technicians work in various industrial fields, such as: Telecommunications: Working with fiber optic networks and communication systems; Medical Technology: Supporting medical imaging devices, laser surgery equipment, and diagnostic tools; Manufacturing: Using lasers for cutting, welding, and precision manufacturing processes; Defense and Aerospace: Developing and maintaining advanced photonics systems for navigation, targeting, and communication; etc.

Photonics technicians can work in a variety of environments, each offering unique challenges and opportunities. Here are some common work environments for photonics technicians: Laboratories: Performing research, development, and testing of photonics systems; Academic Institutions: Assisting researchers and professors in conducting experiments, and supporting educational activities related to photonics; Manufacturing Facility Production Lines: Assembling, testing, and maintaining photonics components and systems; Quality Control Settings: Ensuring that photonics products meet specific standards and inspection processes; Telecommunications Companies & Data Centers: Installing and maintaining fiber optic cables, communication networks and data transmission systems, form laying cables, splicing fibers, and troubleshooting network issues; Medical Technology Companies: Working on the production and maintenance of medical imaging devices, laser surgery equipment, and other photonics-based medical tools; Defense and Aerospace: Developing and maintaining advanced photonics systems for navigation, targeting, and communication used in military applications; etc.

Entry-Level Salaries typically range from $40,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on location and industry, whereas Experienced Technicians can earn around $80,000+ annually, with specialized roles potentially earning more.

There is a growing demand for photonics technicians and the job outlook is positive, driven by the increasing adoption of photonics technologies across various industries. Within the United States, areas with a concentration of high-tech industries, such as Silicon Valley, Boston, and other major metropolitan areas, may offer more job opportunities and higher salaries. Job prospects may vary by region, with some areas experiencing higher demand for photonics technicians due to local industry presence and investment.