Also called: Metrology Scan Technician, Reverse Engineering Technician
Uses laser and light scanners to capture real objects in 3D so they can be copied, measured or reprinted.
A museum needs a replica of a fragile dinosaur skull, so you sweep a handheld scanner over it, turning it into millions of 3D points. Back at your desk you clean up the model and send it to the printer. Tomorrow you're scanning an old tractor part nobody makes anymore.
Estimate.
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 degree in engineering technology or drafting plus scanner software training.
Ways in: 2-year college, Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Engineering Technology (2-year), Drafting & Design Technology.
Growing faster than average.
Medium risk for 10 years. Scanning gets easier and AI cleans meshes automatically; complex reverse engineering still needs skilled people.
Classes: Drafting/CAD class, Geometry, Computer science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-3029.
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.