Also called: Composite Layup Technician, Carbon Fiber Technician
Builds parts from layers of carbon fiber and fiberglass that are lighter than metal but just as strong.
You lay sheets of sticky carbon fiber into a mold one by one, vacuum-bag it, and roll it into an autoclave, a giant pressure oven. Precision and cleanliness matter.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. High school diploma plus composites certificate or on-the-job training.
Ways in: Certification, Trade school, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Composites Technology (certificate).
Growing about average. Not a separate BLS projection; steady aerospace demand.
Medium risk for 10 years. Automated fiber-placement machines lay up big parts; hand layup, repairs and small parts stay human.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to composite and aerospace parts shops as a laminator trainee; they teach layup on the job
Classes: Shop class, Chemistry, Art or sculpture, Manufacturing CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-2092.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.