Back
CompareShare

17-2199.07

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

1.6OUT OF 10SAFEHIGH RISK
Low Risk

You're basically automation-proof

Only 8% of jobs we track are safer than this

Frey & Osborne (2013) estimated 1% probability of automation for this role
paper →
8%
of jobs safer
939
jobs riskier than this
+2.1%
projected growth

Disruption Vector

Disruption Type

Hybrid Threat

Both AI software and physical automation threaten different aspects of this role, creating a compound risk from multiple directions.

Photonics engineers work in a highly specialized field where AI tools like those in Lumerical and Ansys Zemax assist with optical system simulation and photonic integrated circuit design optimization. Novel photonic device design for quantum computing, LiDAR, and AR/VR display applications demands deep physics intuition. The 2025-2027 outlook is positive; photonics is a growth area for AI hardware, autonomous vehicles, and communications, and AI simulation tools raise output without reducing specialist demand.

Disrupted byBoston DynamicsChatGPT / GPT-4oAmazon Robotics

Salary & Job Outlook

Median Annual Pay
$117,750
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
10-Year Job Growth
+2.1%
As fast as average
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Job Zone 4 / 5

AI Risk Timeline

1.6
1.9
2.2
2.8
Today
5 Years
10 Years
20 Years

Projection model: Based on current AI capability growth rates. High-risk occupations are projected to see compounding automation pressure, while human-centric roles show slower risk accumulation. These are statistical projections, not guarantees.

Skills Analysis — AI Vulnerability

AI can replicate (0)
AI-resistant (1)
Mixed
Critical Thinking80%
Active Learning75%
Complex Problem Solving78%
Judgment and Decision Making82%
Reading Comprehension72%

Similar Safe Careers

Photonics Engineers is already low-risk. Explore similarly safe occupations:

Share Your Results

amicooked-five.vercel.app

Photonics Engineers

1.6
/ 10
Low Risk
16% automation risk

"Congrats — you are delightfully robot-proof. Go touch some grass."

Share on X (Twitter)
WhatsAppLinkedIn

Tweet preview

I just checked if I'm cooked as a Photonics Engineers 🤖 AI risk score: 1.6/10 — Low Risk "Congrats — you are delightfully robot-proof. Go touch some grass." Check yours 👇 https://amicooked-five.vercel.app/results/17-2199.07 #AmICooked #AI #FutureOfWork

Your score badge

AM I COOKED?

PHOTONICS ENGINEERS
1.6

/ 10

LOW RISK

amicooked-five.vercel.app

Screenshot this card to share on Instagram or TikTok 📸

You're safer than 8% of all knowledge workers we track.

This analysis is for informational purposes only and is based on statistical models and academic research. It does not constitute career advice and is not a guarantee of future employment outcomes. AI impact varies significantly by employer, region, and individual circumstances. Learn about our methodology →