The 2008 Photonics Salary Survey bodes well for the industry. Salaries overall have kept pace with inflation, showing a 4 percent increase over last year’s numbers. Other heartening statistics include a job satisfaction rate of 75 percent and a majority reporting that their companies are in a hiring mode, with a slight increase in hiring for photonics positions.This year’s survey was conducted by Laurin Publishing’s IT department, which sent out questionnaires in late fall to a sample of its subscribers. The results are based on more than 3000 replies.The figures shown in the report are presented as averages, percentages or Yes/No responses.Survey resultsSalary, age 45 and below.....................................................$87,624Salary, age 46 and above...................................................$112,016Years in work force.........................................................................22Years of photonics work experience...............................................14Would you relocate for a better job?....................................Yes 16% No 29% Depends on location 50%Gender..............................................................................Male 83% Female 12%Number of vacation days.................................................................20How much of a raise did you receive in 2008?................................4%How many times were you contacted by a recruiter in 2008?............2For how many companies have you worked?....................................3How many years have you been with your current employer?..........10