Laser and Optical Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Laser and Optical Technology is a specialized field focused on equipping professionals with the technical expertise needed to support the design, operation, and maintenance of advanced laser systems and optical instruments. This program emphasizes practical application, safety compliance, and precision in environments ranging from industrial manufacturing to cutting-edge scientific research.
- Laser and Optical Principles: Explores the fundamental physics behind light generation, beam propagation, and interaction with materials, forming the scientific foundation for all laser-based technologies.
- Testing and Maintenance Procedures: Teaches systematic methods for diagnosing, calibrating, and servicing laser equipment to ensure consistent performance and operational reliability.
- Safety Precautions: Covers comprehensive protocols for handling high-energy laser systems, including hazard classification, protective measures, and regulatory compliance to safeguard personnel and facilities.
- Application-Specific Techniques: Focuses on real-world uses across industries such as medical diagnostics, telecommunications, precision machining, and defense, tailoring knowledge to diverse technical environments.
- Technical Report Preparation: Develops skills in documenting experimental results, system performance, and maintenance logs with clarity, accuracy, and adherence to professional standards.
Laser and Optical Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Laser and Optical Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Laser and Optical Technology degrees, including Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 64,410 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other 17-3029 | $77,390 | $47,010 - $114,630 | 64,410 | $37.21 |
Laser and Optical Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $58,350 in Vermont to $109,120 in District of Columbia—a 87% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New Mexico, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 64,410 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Laser and Optical Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 21 institutions offering Laser and Optical Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Laser and Optical Technology is found at Monroe Community College (65 graduates), MIAT College of Technology (MIAT) (39 graduates), Valencia College (28 graduates), Northwest Vista College (NVC) (14 graduates), and Hillsborough Community College (HCC) (13 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 249 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
65 | Rochester, New York | Public | monroecc.edu |
| MIAT College of Technology (MIAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
39 | Canton, Michigan | Private | miat.edu |
| Valencia College |
Other Award
|
28 | Orlando, Florida | Public | valenciacollege.edu |
| Northwest Vista College (NVC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
14 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | alamo.edu |
| Hillsborough Community College (HCC) |
Other Award
|
13 | Tampa, Florida | Public | hccfl.edu |
| Front Range Community College (FRCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | Westminster, Colorado | Public | frontrange.edu |
| Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | Springfield, Massachusetts | Public | stcc.edu |
| Pensacola State College (PSC) |
Other Award
|
9 | Pensacola, Florida | Public | pensacolastate.edu |
| Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
9 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Public | qcc.edu |
| Central Oklahoma College |
Residency
|
9 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Private | centraloc.edu |
| Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) |
Associate's
|
8 | Ottumwa, Iowa | Public | indianhills.edu |
| Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) |
Associate's
|
8 | Sanford, North Carolina | Public | cccc.edu |
| Indian River State College (IRSC) |
Other Award
|
5 | Fort Pierce, Florida | Public | irsc.edu |
| Clark State College |
Other Award
|
5 | Springfield, Ohio | Public | clarkstate.edu |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (CSTCC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | cincinnatistate.edu |
| Montana State University (MSU) |
Associate's
|
3 | Bozeman, Montana | Public | montana.edu |
| Pasadena City College (PCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Pasadena, California | Public | pasadena.edu |
| San Jose City College (SJCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | San Jose, California | Public | sjcc.edu |
| Idaho State University (ISU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Pocatello, Idaho | Public | isu.edu |
| Iowa Western Community College (IWCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Council Bluffs, Iowa | Public | iwcc.edu |
| Sussex County Community College (SCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Newton, New Jersey | Public | sussex.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Laser and Optical Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Laser and Optical Technology degree?
Salaries for Laser and Optical Technology graduates vary by role and location. Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other earn a median of $77,390 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $109,120 compared to $58,350 in Vermont. Approximately 64,410 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Laser and Optical Technology programs?
Currently 21 accredited institutions offer Laser and Optical Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Monroe Community College (65 graduates), MIAT College of Technology (MIAT) (39 graduates), and Valencia College (28 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Laser and Optical Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 124 in 2010 to 249 in 2023-24. This represents a 101% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Laser and Optical Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 64,410 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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