medium risk
Materials Engineersvs
66 shared · 13 different
core competencies
medium risk
Photonics EngineersSide-by-Side Comparison
Materials Engineers leads 3–2| Metric | Materials Engineers | Photonics Engineers |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Score | 31.7% | 32.6% |
| Risk Tier | Medium Risk | Medium Risk |
| Risk Percentile | 49th | 54th |
| Tasks at Risk (>50%) | 6 / 15 | 4 / 15 |
| Median Salary | $108,310 | $117,750 |
| Employment | 23K | 151K |
Skill Comparison
|
Sorted by largest difference
Chemistry
Production and Processing
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
Technology DesignAI-Augmented
Design
Developing Objectives and Strategies
Computers and Electronics
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
English Language
Protective Factors
Higher values indicate stronger protection against AI displacement
Materials Engineers
31%
total discount
Photonics Engineers
31%
total discount
Task Risk Comparison
Tasks sorted by AI automation risk — higher means more automatable
Materials Engineers
6 of 15 at risk86%Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.
84%Monitor material performance and evaluate material deterioration.
76%Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
53%Review new product plans and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
51%Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
Photonics Engineers
4 of 15 at risk85%Document photonics system or component design processes, including objectives, issues, or outcomes.
57%Write reports or proposals related to photonics research or development projects.
53%Design, integrate, or test photonics systems or components.
51%Conduct research on new photonics technologies.
49%Conduct testing to determine functionality or optimization or to establish limits of photonics systems or components.
Wage Comparison
Photonics Engineers earns +$9,440(+9%) vs Materials Engineers
Materials EngineersPhotonics Engineers
10th
$68,040$62,840
25th
$85,820$85,750
Median
$108,310$117,750
75th
$138,370$152,670
90th
$172,000$183,510
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Head-to-head task automation timeline
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Career transition paths from each job
Risk-adjusted salary comparison
Combined protective factor strategy
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