Also called: Model Maker, Prototype Machinist
Machines and builds super-precise scale models of aircraft for wind tunnel testing.
You turn a block of aluminum into a perfect miniature wing on a CNC mill, then hand-finish it so surfaces are smooth to a hair's width. Your model will be blasted at near the speed of sound.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Machining certificate or apprenticeship plus years of experience.
Ways in: Trade school, Apprenticeship, On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Machine Tool Technology (trade school).
Growing slowly. Tiny specialty; BLS model maker category is small and slowly shrinking.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. 3D printing and CNC make more models automatically; super-precise finishing and instrument fitting stay skilled handwork.
Classes: Machining or shop class, Geometry, CAD class, Art or sculpture.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-4061.
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.