Optics Technicians

Optics technicians design, fabricate, assemble, or install optical instruments, such as telescopes, microscopes, aerial cameras, and eyeglasses. The most common types of optics technicians are precision-lens technicians and precision-lens grinders (sometimes called ophthalmic technicians), and photonics technicians.

In general, these careers may be distinguished from one another in the following ways: Precision-lens technicians handle the whole range of manufacturing activities to fabricate the lenses that go into optical and optomechanical devices. Precision-lens grinders grind, polish, cement, and inspect the lens. Photonics technicians install, maintain, or actually use the optical or optomechanical devices for scientific and engineering measurements and projects.

Salary Range

Below $25,000 to $100,000

Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Faster than the Average

Personality Traits

Hands On

Problem-Solving

Technical

Career Ladder

Optical Engineer, Research and Development

Research and Development Technician

Optics Technician

Optics Technician Assistant