Laser Technicians
Overview
Introduction
Laser technicians produce, install, operate, service, and test laser systems and fiber optics equipment in industrial, medical, or research settings. They work under the direction of engineers or physicists who conduct laboratory activities in laser research and development or design. Depending upon the type of laser system—gas, liquid, plasma, or solid state—a technician generally works either with information systems or with robotics, manufacturing, or medical equipment.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
In January 2020, Indeed reported that laser technicians in the United States earned average annual salaries of $35,194 ($16.92 per hour), while PayScale's estimate was slightly higher at $37,835 ($18.19 per hour). PayScale indicated that salaries ranged from less than $25,542 ($12.28 per hour) to $54,454 ($26.18 per hour) or more.
In addition to salary, technicians usually receive benefi...
Work Environment
Working conditions for laser technicians vary according to the industry. Some technicians spend their day in a laboratory, while others work in a hospital operating room, office, or manufacturing plant. In most cases, however, work areas are kept clean and temperature-controlled in order to protect the laser equipment.
Laser technicians may work at relatively stationary jobs, assembling ...
Outlook
Employment opportunities for laser technicians are expected to be good through the next decade. Rapid changes in technology and continued growth in the industry will almost certainly lead to an increase in the number of technicians employed. Currently the demand far outweighs the supply of qualified laser technicians.
One of the fastest growing areas for laser technicians is fiber optic ...
