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Photonics Technicians

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

Sample of reported job titles: Fiber Optics Technician, Laser Technician, Optomechanical Technician, Photonic Laboratory Technician (Photonic Lab Tech), Photonics Technician, Ruling Technician

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Tasks  |  Technology Skills  |  Tools Used  |  Knowledge  |  Skills  |  Abilities  |  Work Activities  |  Detailed Work Activities  |  Work Context  |  Job Zone  |  Education  |  Credentials  |  Interests  |  Work Styles  |  Work Values  |  Wages & Employment  |  Job Openings  |  Additional Information

Tasks

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  • Maintain clean working environments, according to clean room standards.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Compute or record photonic test data.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Adjust or maintain equipment, such as lasers, laser systems, microscopes, oscilloscopes, pulse generators, power meters, beam analyzers, or energy measurement devices.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Set up or operate assembly or processing equipment, such as lasers, cameras, die bonders, wire bonders, dispensers, reflow ovens, soldering irons, die shears, wire pull testers, temperature or humidity chambers, or optical spectrum analyzers.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Document procedures, such as calibration of optical or fiber optic equipment.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Perform diagnostic analyses of processing steps, using analytical or metrological tools, such as microscopy, profilometry, or ellipsometry devices.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Assist engineers in the development of new products, fixtures, tools, or processes.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Mix, pour, or use processing chemicals or gases according to safety standards or established operating procedures.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Assist scientists or engineers in the conduct of photonic experiments.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Assemble fiber optical, optoelectronic, or free-space optics components, subcomponents, assemblies, or subassemblies.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Set up or operate prototype or test apparatus, such as control consoles, collimators, recording equipment, or cables.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Test or perform failure analysis for optomechanical or optoelectrical products, according to test plans.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Assemble or adjust parts or related electrical units of prototypes to prepare for testing.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Recommend optical or optic equipment design or material changes to reduce costs or processing times.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as necessary.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Repair or calibrate products, such as surgical lasers.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Monitor mechanical factors, such as turbine load or strain information.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Terminate, cure, polish, or test fiber cables with mechanical connectors.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Design, build, or modify fixtures used to assemble parts.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Splice fibers, using fusion splicing or other techniques.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Optimize photonic process parameters by making prototype or production devices.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Build prototype optomechanical devices for use in equipment such as aerial cameras, gun sights, or telescopes.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Assemble components of energy-efficient optical communications systems involving photonic switches, optical backplanes, or optoelectronic interfaces.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Lay out cutting lines for machining, using drafting tools.See more occupations related to this task.

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Technology Skills

Show fewer All 13 displayed     Show 67 tools used
  • Analytical or scientific software — Data acquisition software; Statistical analysis software; The MathWorks MATLAB Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Computer aided design CAD software Hot technology — Autodesk AutoCAD Hot technology ; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Hot technology ; ZEMAX Optical Design ProgramSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Data base user interface and query software — Database software Hot technology ; Microsoft Access Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Development environment software — National Instruments LabVIEW Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software Hot technology — SAP Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Graphics or photo imaging software — Image processing softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Internet browser software — Web browser softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Office suite software — Microsoft Office Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Web page creation and editing software — Facebook Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Word processing software — Microsoft Word Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.

Hot technology Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

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Knowledge

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  • 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.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.See more occupations related to this knowledge.

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Skills

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  • Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Operations Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Time Management — Managing one’s own time and the time of others.See more occupations related to this skill.

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Abilities

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  • Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.See more occupations related to this ability.

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Work Activities

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  • Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — 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.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.See more occupations related to this activity.

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Detailed Work Activities

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  • Maintain clean work areas.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Analyze test or validation data.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Document design or operational test results.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Maintain electronic equipment.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Assemble precision electronics or optical equipment.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Prepare procedural documents.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Develop technical methods or processes.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Assist engineers or scientists with research.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Prepare materials for processing.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Operate industrial equipment.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Assemble equipment or components.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Install instrumentation or electronic equipment or systems.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Create physical models or prototypes.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Create schematic drawings for electronics.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Fabricate devices or components.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Design alternative energy systems.See more occupations related to this activity.

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Work Context

Show fewer All 22 displayed
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 72% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Electronic Mail — 76% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 60% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 72% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 56% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Telephone — 48% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Time Pressure — 44% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 48% responded “Some freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Duration of Typical Work Week — 60% responded “40 hours.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 44% responded “Continually or almost continually.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 68% responded “Very important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 32% responded “Important results.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 36% responded “High responsibility.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Consequence of Error — 32% responded “Serious.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 52% responded “Some freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Frequency of Decision Making — 28% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Contact With Others — 40% responded “Contact with others most of the time.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Letters and Memos — 24% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 29% responded “Important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Standing — 32% responded “More than half the time.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Coordinate or Lead Others — 44% responded “Important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Level of Competition — 48% responded “Moderately competitive.”See more occupations related to this work context.

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Job Zone

Title Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree.
Related Experience Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job 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.
Job Zone Examples These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
SVP Range (6.0 to < 7.0)

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Education


Percentage of Respondents
Education Level Required
32   Associate’s degree
16   Some college, no degree
12   High school diploma or equivalent

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Credentials

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Interests

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Interest code: RIC   Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.

  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.See more occupations related to this interest.
  • Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.See more occupations related to this interest.
  • Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.See more occupations related to this interest.

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Work Styles

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  • Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Independence — Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.See more occupations related to this work style.

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Work Values

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  • Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.See more occupations related to this work value.

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Wages & Employment Trends

Median wage data for Calibration Technologists and Technicians and Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Employment data for Calibration Technologists and Technicians and Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Industry data for Calibration Technologists and Technicians and Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.

Median wages (2020) $30.86 hourly, $64,190 annual
State wages
 
Local wages
  
Employment (2020) 94,700 employees
Projected growth (2020-2030) Slower than average (1% to 5%) Slower than average (1% to 5%)
Projected job openings (2020-2030) 9,300
State trends
 
Top industries (2020)
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Manufacturing

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data external site and 2020-2030 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

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Sources of Additional Information

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Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

  • ETA International external site
  • Florida Photonics Cluster external site
  • Optics and Photonics Education Directory external site
  • SAE International external site
  • SPIE external site
  • The American Society of Mechanical Engineers external site
  • The Optical Society external site

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This page includes information from O*NET OnLine 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.

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