Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (occupation group), with detailed role definition from O*NET, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
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.
Top skills:Critical ThinkingWritingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingMathematics
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Photonics Engineer pay by experience level
Entry level$69,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$94,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$127,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$163,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$196,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+2.1%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
9,300
projected openings per year
Growing slower than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Photonics Engineer salary by industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
42,750 workers
$127,500
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
38,780 workers
$145,000
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)
34,020 workers
$152,500
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
22,020 workers
$114,500
Scientific Research and Development Services
10,970 workers
$151,500
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
8,340 workers
$133,500
Management of Companies and Enterprises
8,330 workers
$135,000
Management of Companies and Enterprises
8,330 workers
$135,000
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
8,060 workers
$121,500
Machinery Manufacturing
5,890 workers
$117,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Photonics Engineer pays 20% above the average across 59 roles in the Architecture and Engineering job family (family average $108,000).
Similar-paying roles in Architecture and Engineering
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Photonics Engineer make?
The average base salary for a Photonics Engineer in the United States is $129,500 per year, or about $62.26 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $94,000 and $163,500 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Architecture and Engineering roles?
The Architecture and Engineering job family averages $108,000 across 59 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
Need Photonics Engineer pay benchmarked for your organization, or defensible compensation analysis for a dispute or valuation? Grahall builds it from primary sources, backed by an expert who testifies.
