Optics Technicians

The field of optics technology should experience average growth in the coming years. Employment of photonics technicians is expected to increase at an average (4%) pace through 2033, according to O*NET. Most job openings will likely arise from the need to replace technicians who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Only a small number of job openings will be created each year because the occupation is relatively small.

Traditionally, the space program and weapons-development programs run by the military have been employers of large numbers of optics technicians. Employment in this field is determined by levels of government spending and is difficult to predict. Even if there are cutbacks in this spending, however, the public demand for advanced cameras, binoculars, and telescopes and the need for advanced medical equipment should sustain employment levels for most kinds of optics technicians.

Employment opportunities for ophthalmic technicians will grow more slowly than average through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Despite an increased number of Americans reaching middle age, a time when people often begin to need eyeglasses, and the growing elderly population, a group that typically requires additional vision care, the increased use of automated equipment will negatively impact job growth in this field.

Employment for electronics engineering technicians who work in navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing is expected to grow at an average pace through 2033.