Also called: Sheet Metal Detailer, MEP Detailer
Turns an engineer's HVAC design into exact 3D models of every duct piece so a sheet metal shop can fabricate it.
You model ducts weaving around beams, pipes and sprinklers in a new hospital, coordinating with plumbers and electricians so nothing clashes. Then you export cut files straight to the shop's plasma table. Many detailers started as sheet metal workers.
Estimated from BLS mechanical drafters.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate's in drafting or a sheet metal apprenticeship plus software training.
Ways in: 2-year college, Apprenticeship, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Drafting & Design Technology, HVAC Technology.
Growing about average. Steady with prefabrication trends.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Software auto-generates duct fittings and shop files from models; working out problems with the field and fab shop stays human.
Classes: Drafting CTE class, Geometry, HVAC or sheet metal CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-3013.
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.