The field of optics technology and manufacturing should have slower than average growth coming years. Employment of photonics technicians is expected to increase slowly in manufacturing as firms invest in automated machinery. Most job openings will 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 are expected to grow much faster than average through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This growth will be fueled by the 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. However, 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 have little or no change through 2028.
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