Photonics Engineers in South Carolina
Want to work as a Photonics Engineers in South Carolina? Here’s what the data says. All engineers not listed separately. Excludes “Sales Engineers” (41-9031), “Locomotive Engineers” (53-4011), and “Ship Engineers” (53-5031).
What do Photonics Engineers Make in South Carolina?
For a photonics engineers working in South Carolina, the median annual wage is $117,980 per year (or about $56.72/hour).Annual wages span from $77,380 at the 10th percentile to $175,430 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,380 | $37.20 |
| 25th percentile | $94,240 | $45.31 |
| Median (50th) | $117,980 | $56.72 |
| 75th percentile | $144,520 | $69.48 |
| 90th percentile | $175,430 | $84.34 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in South Carolina relative to the national average — is 0.64, indicating fewer photonics engineers per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, photonics engineers earn a median of $84,667 per year ($40.71/hour), higher than the South Carolina median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 40,916 photonics engineers in the U.S.. In South Carolina alone, approximately 1,430 people work in this role. That matches the typical state median of 1,430.
Top South Carolina Metros for Photonics Engineers
The metro areas below employ the most photonics engineers in South Carolina.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | 490 | $126,170 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | 360 | $109,480 |
| Columbia, SC | 140 | $124,380 |
| Spartanburg, SC | 90 | $102,070 |
Top States for Photonics Engineers Employment
The table below shows the states where the most photonics engineers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 26,500 |
| Texas | 9,900 |
| Florida | 9,120 |
| Louisiana | 7,630 |
| Maryland | 6,670 |
| Michigan | 6,630 |
| Virginia | 5,980 |
| Ohio | 5,970 |
| New York | 5,020 |
| Pennsylvania | 4,710 |
| Tennessee | 4,610 |
| North Carolina | 4,230 |
| Georgia | 3,970 |
| New Jersey | 3,910 |
| Alabama | 3,370 |
| Washington | 3,150 |
| Illinois | 3,010 |
| Massachusetts | 2,930 |
| Arizona | 2,660 |
| District of Columbia | 2,640 |
Highest-Paying States for Photonics Engineers
Where photonics engineers earn the most: photonics engineers.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $167,270 |
| Alabama | $146,480 |
| New Mexico | $142,520 |
| Virginia | $142,110 |
| Wyoming | $139,010 |
| Maryland | $135,990 |
| Alaska | $132,410 |
| Massachusetts | $132,020 |
| New Jersey | $131,960 |
| Rhode Island | $131,830 |
Skills
The most important photonics engineers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for photonics engineers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, photonics engineers typically:
- Analyze system performance or operational requirements.
- Develop optical or imaging systems, such as optical imaging products, optical components, image processes, signal process technologies, or optical systems.
- Develop or test photonic prototypes or models.
- Design, integrate, or test photonics systems or components.
- Assist in the transition of photonic prototypes to production.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
- Write reports or proposals related to photonics research or development projects.
- Conduct testing to determine functionality or optimization or to establish limits of photonics systems or components.
- Determine applications of photonics appropriate to meet product objectives or features.
- Conduct research on new photonics technologies.
- Design electro-optical sensing or imaging systems.
- Document photonics system or component design processes, including objectives, issues, or outcomes.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Getting Information
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Thinking Creatively
- Processing Information
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD, C, C#, C++ In-demand technologies: C++
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
- General Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Other Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Robotics Engineering
- Construction Engineering
- Engineering Science
- Architectural Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Biological Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Geoscience Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Ocean Engineering
- Engineering Mechanics
- Energy Systems Engineering
- Biochemical Engineering
- Surveying Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electromechanical Engineering
- Forest Engineering
- Paper Science & Engineering
- Engineering Chemistry
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Nanotechnology
- Rehabilitation Professions
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like photonics engineers include:
- Computer Hardware Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
- Mechanical Engineers
- Automotive Engineers
Also Known As
Algorithm Developer, DWDM Optical Network Engineer (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing Optical Network Engineer), Display Engineer, Electro-optical Engineer, Electro-optics Engineer, Engineer, Fiber Optics Engineer, Laser Engineer, Laser Systems Engineer, Optical Design Engineer, Optical Engineer, Optical Manufacturing Engineer, Optical Network Engineer, Optical Specialist, Optical Systems Engineer.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 17-2199.07
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.