by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Laser & Optical Technology explores Laser And Optical Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Engineers And Other Professionals Engaged In Developing And Using Lasers And Other Optical For Commercial Or Research Purposes. Includes Instruction In Laser And Optical Principles, Testing And Maintenance Procedures, Safety Precautions, Specific Applications To Various Tasks, And Report Preparation. Examples: [Photonics Engineering Technology]. Continue reading for the key facts every laser & optical technology major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering laser & optical technology programs.
Across the country, laser & optical technology is a popular field of study, with 249 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Laser & Optical Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 21 schools to determine the best overall colleges for laser & optical technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of laser & optical technology programs later in this article.
Studies in Laser & Optical Technology emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations laser & optical technology graduates commonly enter.
Skills developed in a laser & optical technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a laser & optical technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several laser & optical technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 67 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 78 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 93 |
People currently working in careers related to laser & optical technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 47.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 25.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 9.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 6.9% |
| Some college courses | 6.8% |
| Master’s degree | 2.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.2% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in laser & optical technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in laser & optical technology can lead to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to laser & optical technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to laser & optical technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of laser & optical technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $62,062 |
| 4 years | $60,768 |
| 5 years | $67,536 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for laser & optical technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers laser & optical technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
With 21 different laser & optical technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased laser & optical technology school rankings to help you.
Students interested in laser & optical technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
