Photonics Engineers in California
Photonics engineers design and develop technologies that use light for information processing or energy applications, including lasers and fiber optics systems. They work in manufacturing facilities, research laboratories, telecommunications companies, and defense contractors, applying physics principles to create practical light-based solutions. In California the median pay is $130,850 a year, 6% above the national median of $122,930.
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Who is hiring in California
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Photonics Engineers.
Licenses and training in California
Photonics Engineers pay in other states
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against photonics engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2199.07. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.