3D Printing Specialist
3D printing specialists operate and maintain additive manufacturing equipment including FDM, SLA, SLS, and metal sintering systems. They prepare CAD files for printing, select appropriate materials, optimize build parameters, and perform post-processing such as support removal and surface finishing. The BLS reports a median salary of $55,000 with 16% projected growth as additive manufacturing expands into aerospace, medical devices, and consumer products.
A Day in the Life
A typical day starts by checking overnight print jobs, removing completed parts from build plates, and inspecting for defects. The specialist then slices a new CAD model using specialized software, choosing optimal orientation and support structures. After lunch, they load metal powder into an industrial SLS machine for an aerospace prototype run. Late afternoon involves sanding and painting a batch of consumer product prototypes and updating the print job queue for the next day.
Key Stats
Education
Associate Degree
Salary Range
Entry: $38,000
Median: $55,000
Senior: $78,000
Job Growth