Laser and Optical Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Laser and Optical Engineering is a technically rigorous discipline focused on the scientific and mathematical foundations of light-based technologies. This program equips students with the expertise to design, analyze, and optimize advanced optical systems and laser-based devices used across industries such as telecommunications, defense, medical technology, and manufacturing.
- Wave Theory and Mechanics: Explores the fundamental behavior of light as a wave, including interference, diffraction, and propagation through various media.
- Electromagnetic Applications: Investigates the interaction of light with electromagnetic fields, essential for understanding how optical systems interface with electronic components.
- Linear and Non-Linear Optics: Studies how materials respond to light under different intensity levels, enabling the development of devices like frequency doublers and optical switches.
- Photon Detection: Covers the principles and technologies used to sense and measure individual photons, critical for imaging, quantum computing, and low-light applications.
- Laser Beam Properties: Analyzes characteristics such as coherence, divergence, intensity, and polarization to ensure optimal performance in real-world applications.
- Directed Energy Systems: Focuses on the development and deployment of high-energy laser systems for precision targeting and material processing.
- Harmonic Generation: Examines methods for producing new frequencies of light through nonlinear processes, enabling access to ultraviolet and infrared spectral regions.
- Optical System Design: Integrates lenses, mirrors, and detectors into functional systems tailored for specific performance goals, from microscopy to long-range sensing.
- Shielding and Protection: Addresses the engineering of protective measures against optical radiation hazards, ensuring safety and system reliability in operational environments.
- System Integration and Implementation: Emphasizes the practical assembly, calibration, and deployment of optical and laser-based technologies within complex engineering frameworks.
Laser and Optical Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Laser and Optical Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Laser and Optical Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineers, All Other and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. 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 401,000 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Engineers, All Other 17-2199 | $117,750 | $62,840 - $183,510 | 150,750 | $56.61 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
Laser and Optical Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $103,617 in Arkansas to $153,590 in New Mexico—a 48% difference. The highest-paying states include New Mexico, California, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 401,000 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 Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Laser and Optical Engineering 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 Engineering is found at University of Central Florida (UCF) (84 graduates), University of Rochester (40 graduates), Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT) (13 graduates), University of Dayton (UD) (12 graduates), and Stonehill College (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 157 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Florida (UCF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
84 | Orlando, Florida | Public | ucf.edu |
| University of Rochester |
Bachelor's
|
40 | Rochester, New York | Private | rochester.edu |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13 | Terre Haute, Indiana | Private | rose-hulman.edu |
| University of Dayton (UD) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | Dayton, Ohio | Private | udayton.edu |
| Stonehill College |
Other Award
|
7 | Easton, Massachusetts | Private | stonehill.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | North Dartmouth, Massachusetts | Public | umassd.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Laser and Optical Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Laser and Optical Engineering degree?
Salaries for Laser and Optical Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Engineers, All Other earn around $117,750. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Mexico average $153,590 compared to $103,617 in Arkansas. Approximately 401,000 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 Engineering programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Laser and Optical Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Central Florida (UCF) (84 graduates), University of Rochester (40 graduates), and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT) (13 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 Engineering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 52 in 2010 to 157 in 2023-24. This represents a 202% 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 Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineers, All Other, and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 401,000 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.
Related Engineering Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Engineering field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Civil Engineering
Any instructional program in civil engineering not listed above.
Computer Engineering
A program that generally prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of computer hardware and...
Computer Hardware Engineering
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and evaluation of computer hardware and related peripheral...
Software Engineering
A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the design, analysis, verification, validation, implementation, and maintenance of computer software...
Computer Engineering
Any instructional program in computer engineering not listed above.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of electrical and electronic systems...