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Photonics Technicians in Iowa

Photonics technicians build, install, test, and maintain optical and fiber optic equipment like lasers, lenses, and mirrors. They work in manufacturing facilities, research labs, telecommunications companies, and medical device manufacturers, using precision instruments such as spectrometers and interferometers to ensure equipment functions correctly. In Iowa the median pay is $63,120 a year, 19% below the national median of $78,350.

$63,120median pay in Iowa, per year
$50,860–$79,220middle half earn
380employed in Iowa
$78,350U.S. median, for comparison
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What it takes

Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most hold an associate degree.

Skills that matter most

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisActive LearningMonitoringEquipment Maintenance

Knowledge areas

Engineering and TechnologyComputers and ElectronicsMathematics (knowledge)MechanicalProduction and ProcessingEnglish Language

Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Photonics Technicians.

Licenses and training in Iowa

Photonics Technicians pay in other states

Related occupations

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Four short assessments and your background, scored against photonics technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
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O*NET-SOC 17-3029.08. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Iowa, annual.