Also called: Additive Manufacturing Technician
Runs and maintains 3D printers that make prototypes, parts, and models.
They load print files, calibrate machines, swap filament or resin, and clean and finish printed parts. When a print fails overnight, they troubleshoot why. Design studios, hospitals, and factories all use them.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Certificate or associate in additive manufacturing or on-the-job training.
Ways in: Trade school, 2-year college, On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Additive Manufacturing (trade school), Manufacturing Technology.
Growing faster than average. Additive manufacturing is growing.
Medium risk for 10 years. Printers get more automated with print farms and AI slicers; setup, troubleshooting and finishing still need people.
Classes: Engineering or CAD CTE, Chemistry, Computer applications.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-4081.
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.