3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) Technician
🖨️Prints parts in plastic, resin and metal: prepares the model, sets up the printer, monitors the build and finishes the part afterwards.
Prospects & pay
What the work is like
💼 Job market
🇺🇸 $49.8k a year on average
Miscellaneous metal workers & plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters — US: Census ACS 2020–24 (full-time), BLS projections 2025–35
🇬🇧 £36.2k median a year · 131,000 jobs
Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c. — UK: ONS ASHE 2025 (full-time)
🤖 AI & automation
AI already preps models and picks print settings; there will be fewer basic operators, but metal printing and post-processing specialists will be needed.
Who it suits
Interests: ⚙️ Tech and engineering, 🔧 Making things by hand, 💻 Coding and digital, 🎨 Drawing and design.
Key strengths: manual dexterity, logic.
Where to study
- Vocational HNC/HND or associate degree in manufacturing / engineering technology
- Course CAD and vendor training (EOS, Stratasys, Formlabs); additive manufacturing certificates
- Apprenticeship Engineering technician apprenticeship with additive specialism (UK)
Key school subjects (A-level / IB / AP): Maths, Physics, Computer Science.
🧗 College or an apprenticeship in manufacturing technology, plus CAD courses and printer-vendor training (EOS, Stratasys). Metal printing specialists in aerospace and medical devices earn the most.
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