Best institutions to study Laser and Optical Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing and using lasers and other optical for commercial or research purposes.
20 U.S. institutions graduated 203 Laser and Optical Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 15.0304, a specialization of Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.03), and leads most directly to the Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other occupation (BLS SOC 17-3029).
About Laser and Optical Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing and using lasers and other optical for commercial or research purposes. Includes instruction in laser and optical principles, testing and maintenance procedures, safety precautions, specific applications to various tasks, and report preparation.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Laser and Optical Technology/Technician program prepares individuals to support engineers and other professionals in the development and application of lasers and optical technologies for commercial and research purposes. This program is ideal for students interested in engineering-related technologies and seeking a hands-on career in a rapidly evolving field.
Students in this program will gain knowledge in laser and optical principles, testing and maintenance procedures, safety precautions, and specific applications relevant to various tasks. Coursework also includes report preparation to ensure effective communication of technical information.
Credentials awarded
What Laser and Optical Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year69 graduates / yr · 10 institutions34%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years65 graduates / yr · 7 institutions32%
- Associate's degree65 graduates / yr · 10 institutions32%
- Award of less than 12 weeks4 graduates / yr · 2 institutions2.0%
Graduates over time
Laser and Optical Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 84 |
| 2013 | 103 |
| 2014 | 143 |
| 2015 | 149 |
| 2016 | 118 |
| 2017 | 117 |
| 2018 | 194 |
| 2019 | 165 |
| 2020 | 153 |
| 2021 | 181 |
| 2022 | 182 |
| 2023 | 179 |
| 2024 | 249 |
| 2025 | 203 |
Top 20 institutions for Laser and Optical Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monroe Community College Rochester, NYPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 51 | 27% | — | $51,245 |
| 2 | Front Range Community College Westminster, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 17 | 35% | — | — |
| 3 | Universal Technical Institute - Canton Canton, MIPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 15 | 64% | $22,762 | — |
| 4 | Indian Hills Community College Ottumwa, IAPublicAssociate's | 13 | 40% | — | $68,590 |
| 5 | San Jose City College San Jose, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 12 | 34% | — | — |
| 6 | Springfield Technical Community College Springfield, MAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 12 | 32% | — | — |
| 7 | Hillsborough College Tampa, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 34% | — | — |
| 8 | Quinsigamond Community College Worcester, MAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 22% | — | — |
| 9 | Valencia College Orlando, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 48% | — | $40,388 |
| 10 | Central Carolina Community College Sanford, NCPublicAssociate's | 8 | 43% | — | — |
| 11 | Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc. Houston, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 8 | 60% | $22,532 | — |
| 12 | Clark State College Springfield, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 22% | — | — |
| 13 | Pensacola State College Pensacola, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 36% | — | — |
| 14 | Pasadena City College Pasadena, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 5 | 48% | — | — |
| 15 | Idaho State University Pocatello, IDPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 39% | — | — |
| 16 | Sussex County Community College Newton, NJPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of less than 12 weeks | 5 | 37% | — | — |
| 17 | Indian River State College Fort Pierce, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 45% | — | $60,039 |
| 18 | Montana State University Bozeman, MTPublicAssociate's | 4 | 57% | — | — |
| 19 | Central Oklahoma College Oklahoma City, OKPrivate for-profitAward of less than 12 weeks | 3 | 53% | — | — |
| 20 | Iowa Western Community College Council Bluffs, IAPublicAssociate's | 1 | 40% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 15.03) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 14 states
Where Laser and Optical Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 1 | 51 | Monroe Community College51 / yr |
| Florida | 4 | 28 | Hillsborough College10 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 2 | 21 | Springfield Technical Community College12 / yr |
| California | 2 | 17 | San Jose City College12 / yr |
| Colorado | 1 | 17 | Front Range Community College17 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 15 | Universal Technical Institute - Canton15 / yr |
| Iowa | 2 | 14 | Indian Hills Community College13 / yr |
| North Carolina | 1 | 8 | Central Carolina Community College8 / yr |
| Texas | 1 | 8 | Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc.8 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 7 | Clark State College7 / yr |
| Idaho | 1 | 5 | Idaho State University5 / yr |
| New Jersey | 1 | 5 | Sussex County Community College5 / yr |
| Montana | 1 | 4 | Montana State University4 / yr |
| Oklahoma | 1 | 3 | Central Oklahoma College3 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-3029, Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Laser and Optical Technology/Technician program can pursue careers as Engineering Technologists and Technicians. With an expected annual opening of 5,700 positions and a median wage of $77,390, this field offers stable opportunities, although growth is projected at 1.5% over time. Typically, an Associate's degree is required for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 15.0304
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Otherprimary SOC 17-3029 | $78,350 | +1.5% Little or no change | ~5,700 | Associate's degree |
Related careers
Other Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 5 other 6-digit CIP codes under Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.03).
- Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/CIP 15.0303
Technician 7,489 graduates / yr358 institutions - Electrical/CIP 15.0399
Electronic Engineering Technologies/ Technicians 1,734 graduates / yr64 institutions - Telecommunications Technology/CIP 15.0305
Technician 332 graduates / yr26 institutions - Audio Engineering Technology/CIP 15.0307
Technician 143 graduates / yr12 institutions - Integrated Circuit Design Technology/CIP 15.0306
Technician limited data4 graduates / yr1 institutions
See all Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What is the duration of the Laser and Optical Technology program?+
The program offers awards ranging from less than 12 weeks to 2 academic years.
What types of credentials can I earn?+
You can earn an Award of at least 12 weeks, an Associate's degree, or other certificates.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 20 colleges in the U.S. offering this program.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with a median wage of $77,390.
What is the CIP code for Laser and Optical Technology/Technician?+
Laser and Optical Technology/Technician is CIP 15.0304 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.03). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing and using lasers and other optical for commercial or research purposes. Includes instruction in laser and optical principles, testing and maintenance procedures, safety precautions, specific applications to various tasks, and report preparation.
How many institutions offer Laser and Optical Technology/Technician programs?+
20 U.S. institutions reported Laser and Optical Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 14 states, awarding 203 credentials in the year. That is 2.0% of all Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Laser and Optical Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other occupation, which Laser and Optical Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $78,350 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $60,039 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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