Also called: Instrument Maker, Research Machinist
Builds one-of-a-kind parts and devices for scientists in university and national lab machine shops.
A researcher hands you a drawing of a detector holder that has to be perfect to a thousandth of an inch. You machine it from aluminum or titanium and work with them to fix the design.
Based on machinists; research shops pay above average.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 2 years after high school. Machining program at a trade school or apprenticeship.
Ways in: Trade school, Apprenticeship, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Precision Machining (trade school), Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. CAM software and 3D metal printing help, but one-off precision machining with scientists stays skilled work.
Classes: Geometry, Machining or metalshop CTE, Physics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-4041.
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.