Laser Technician
A Laser Technician, also known as a photonics technician, specializes in the operation and maintenance of laser equipment across various industries, including medical, manufacturing, defense, and telecommunications. Their primary responsibilities include repairing and aligning lasers, checking power supplies, and ensuring optimal operation of equipment, often under the supervision of engineers or scientists. The work environment for laser technicians is typically regulated for cleanliness and humidity, as these factors can significantly affect laser performance.
Individuals interested in this career should possess a strong background in science and technology, problem-solving skills, and effective communication abilities, as they often interact with professionals from diverse fields. Training generally requires at least an associate's degree in photonics or optics, with additional coursework in mathematics and electronics beneficial. The job outlook for laser technicians is stable, offering opportunities in both traditional industrial settings and emerging fields like cosmetic laser applications, reflecting the growing demand for their expertise. Median earnings for laser technicians are approximately $73,500 annually.
Laser Technician
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Science, technology, solving problems, communicating with others
Earnings (Yearly Median): $35.34 hourly, $73,500 annual (2023)
Employment & Outlook: Average (2 percent to 4 percent)
Overview
Sphere of Work. Laser technicians, also known as photonics technicians, repair and operate lasers and related equipment. Due to the numerous applications of laser technology, technicians work in a wide range of fields, including the medical, manufacturing, defense, construction, and telecommunications industries. Laser technicians align lenses and mirrors, check power supplies, and prepare tubes, rods, semiconductor chips, and other parts of the laser equipment, typically under the supervision of senior engineers or scientists. They may work on-site exclusively, performing routine maintenance as well as operations, or they may travel between client facilities to perform maintenance as needed.
Work Environment. Laser technicians may work in a wide range of locations, including manufacturing facilities, scientific laboratories, hospitals, construction sites, and research and development plants. Work environments are kept extremely clean and well-ventilated to prevent dust or particles from infiltrating and corrupting the laser equipment’s optics and mechanics. Temperature and humidity are also carefully regulated. Laser technicians typically work a forty-hour week, although they may work extra hours when equipment malfunctions. As there is some risk of injury when working with laser equipment, it is essential that safety protocols be followed at all times.
Occupation Interest. Individuals interested in a career as a laser technician typically enjoy science and are skilled in working with complex technology. Laser technicians must be quick to identify and solve problems and have excellent communication skills, as they may need to explain technical issues to individuals from different professional backgrounds. Lasers are used in a wide range of industries, so technicians have the opportunity to explore a variety of fields, from medicine to telecommunications.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Laser technicians help build, repair, and modify laser equipment to suit the needs of the laboratory, department, or business in which they work. Technicians repair or replace essential parts of the equipment, which may include semiconductors or optical fibers, and maintain control consoles, recorders, cables, and power sources. They must also clean and position mirrors and lenses so that laser streams are precise and uncorrupted. Laser technicians frequently test equipment to ensure that it operates safely and fulfills its specific function. In addition to making repairs, some laser technicians also operate the equipment themselves, performing tasks such as engraving materials or removing tattoos.
Additional duties vary based on the industry in which the laser technicians work. For example, technicians who work in scientific laboratories may be involved in extensive data collection in addition to maintaining and operating the equipment. Those working in the telecommunications and manufacturing sectors may spend more time using equipment to weld seams or splice fibers. Some laser technicians are based at one work site, while others visit several clients to troubleshoot and operate laser equipment on an on-call basis.
Laser technicians are typically required to keep detailed records of the use of laser equipment, including test schedules, maintenance reports, and assessments of the wavelength, intensity, and duration of the laser beams produced. Technicians are also required to adhere to all safety protocols, including the wearing of protective clothing or eyewear when necessary.
In a more everyday sense, people can also be trained as a laser technician to work in the cosmetic field as a laser hair-removal specialist or dermatologist. Cosmetic laser procedures have become more common in the twenty-first century, leading to an 11 percent growth rate in the industry job outlook.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Laser technicians work in factories, laboratories, medical centers, construction sites, and other facilities that use laser technology. Work environments must be very clean, with environmental conditions such as humidity heavily regulated. Some technicians travel to client facilities to operate, repair, and maintain laser equipment.
Human Environment. Laser technicians work with a wide range of individuals that varies based on the industry in which they work. Technicians may interact with engineers and scientists as well as medical personnel, construction workers, foremen, line workers, laboratory technicians, and building maintenance personnel.
Technological Environment. When constructing, installing, and maintaining laser equipment, laser technicians use oscilloscopes, interferometers, semiconductors, gas cells, diodes, and various power saws. They also rely on computers, using computer-aided design (CAD), photo-imaging, scientific, and office-suite software.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing a career as a laser technician should study mathematics and science, particularly geometry, trigonometry, chemistry, and physics. Industrial arts courses that cover electronics and machinery are useful, as are courses that teach students to read and draw blueprints. As laser technicians rely heavily on computer technology, high school students should also take classes in information technology and computer science.
Postsecondary. Laser technicians generally need at least an associate’s degree from a two-year college or technical school. These programs include studies in photonics and optics. Some technicians choose to earn a bachelor’s degree in a similar field. Postsecondary students should educate themselves about the educational requirements of their prospective employers, areas of specialization, and states in which they work, as requirements may vary.
Related Occupations
− Electrical and Electronics Engineer
− Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Bibliography
"How to Become a Laser Technician." NIMA Institute, 2024, nima.edu/esthetics-classes/how-to-become-a-laser-technician/. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
"Photonics Technicians." O*NET OnLine, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-3029.08. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.