Also called: Clay Sculptor (automotive), Design Modeler
Sculpts full-size models of new cars from industrial clay so designers can see and refine them in real life.
Using steel rakes, slicks, and templates, they shape a 2-ton clay car to exact digital dimensions, then refine curves by eye. Designers walk around it and request changes. It's a rare job that blends sculpture and engineering.
Estimate based on automaker job postings.
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 or bachelor's in industrial design or sculpture; much is learned on the job.
Ways in: 2-year college, 4-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Industrial Design, Sculpture.
Growing slowly. Small field; digital modeling and VR have reduced some demand.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Digital modeling and 5-axis milling rough out more of each car; final hand-sculpted surfaces remain, but in fewer studios.
Classes: Art 3-D Design or ceramics, Engineering or CAD, Auto tech CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-1021.
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.