Former president Barack Obama once said 3D printing is a technology with the “potential to change the way we create nearly all things.” If you’re not making use of the technology be aware that a lot of people are already making use of it across many industries. 3D printing was the market in the world at $16.8 billion as of 2022 as per Grand View Research. In 2030, the number will likely be higher than $72 billion.
The 3D printing industry grows What does this mean for those looking for 3D printing jobs? There are a variety of career opportunities that have been created or are gaining momentum due to the rising popularity of 3D printing. However, there are pros and cons that you should consider before you decide to pursue one.
What is 3D printing?
Instead of using paper and ink instead, rather than using paper and ink, the 3D printer makes use of materials such as ceramic, metal, or plastic to produce the 3D model. Through the use of computer-aided design (CAD) documents as electronic instructions to build an object such as the 3D printer covers an area with layers of materials in precisely the right places to create a model starting from scratch.
While 3D printing may be utilized for large-scale structures, it is most useful in the creation of smaller, more customized components or prototypes for various applications, such as automotive engineering as well as the medical industry. Because of the plethora of possibilities offered by 3D printing, this field is brimming with possibilities.
9 Best Amazing and Cool 3D Printing Jobs
The possibilities of working using 3D printing are almost infinite. Take a look at these 9 3D printing jobs should you want to move your career in the right direction.
1. 3D design
3D printing is heavily dependent on the ability of designers to create a concept for a product and make it a reality. Because of its popularity, 3D printing is creating opportunities for 3D designers in 3D printing firms as well as other businesses as part of teams that are creative and freelancers.
3D printers are utilized across a range of design disciplines like design for products medical device design entertainment design, and architectural visualization according to Erol Gunduz who was a former professor at the New York University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (NYU-SCPS) which offers courses that focus on 3D printing modeling, design, and 3D printing.
To stay successful, job seekers must be able to gain practical experience with 3D technologies and remain up to date with the latest developments in 3D printing. For example, students who are recent graduates as well as researchers comfortable with 3D printing techniques have the advantage of being able to incorporate the technology into their design process, according to Gunduz.
Salary — $ 41,600 to $99,840 per year
Also read: Best 3D Printing Business Ideas for Startup
2. 3D CAD modeling
3D printing wouldn’t be feasible without experts in CAD who are able to convert designs for products into digital blueprints which printers require to create products. Alongside product designers, there is a requirement for 3D CAD modelers.
“I believe there is a significant increase in need in CAD in addition to 3D modeling jobs coming up due to 3D printing” stated Alex English the former owner of ProtoParadigm.
However, 3D experts in CAD are required to create models to be used in mass 3D printing They are particularly important when it comes to customizing products.
Therefore, 3D CAD modeling jobs need specific printing skills including dimension of features geometrical constraints, and understanding of materials. English was added.
Salary — $54,733 to $71,548 per year
3. Research and development
3D printing is the latest hype, but it’s not just for the world of gadgets. Similar to how the expanding 3D printing industry needs an increase in the number of product developers and 3D modelers. Jobs are becoming available for innovative researchers and developers who are aware of the interplay between technology and consumer products.
Companies require people who discover the most efficient way to make use of 3D printing to create consumer products at the cheapest cost.
Salary — $82,000 to $146,000 per year
4. Biological and scientific modeling
3D printing does not have to be restricted to just consumer items It can be used to create a variety of products that aid in medical research and even save lives. It also can create drones or defense equipment, and maybe even food items for space.
Therefore it is apparent that there is a need for 3D printing industry is in need of more designers, engineers, and modelers with an academic or biomedical background to develop further and create high-quality 3D printed products.
“While every designer can print their designs it will also be possible to print at a premium price point -specifically in the fields of aerospace, medical military, or mission-critical applications for those who understand the printing technology and the best way to develop according to their strengths and limitations.
Salary — $70,650 to $173,000 per year
5. Architecture and construction modeling
3D printing is disrupting a number of industries, including ones that depend heavily on prototyping or blueprinting. In the construction industry, the paradigm change has increased the demand for 3D models that could replace the current 2D tools for planning construction.
“In the engineering, architecture, and construction fields, 3D printing will redefine the creation of building documents” stated Lira Luis principal architect of Atelier Lira Luis LLC which is a Chicago-based architectural and design firm.
Instead of 2D 3D CAD models printed on paper is able to create realistic models that better illustrate what the structures will appear like.
Salary — $77,289 to $107,000 per year
Also read: Top 10 Metaverse Jobs That We Should Prepare for
6. Education
What’s the purpose of the 3D printing jobs if there is no person who has the skills to do the positions? In order to help fill the skills gap, a few schools are now offering 3D printing courses for all grades. This means that there are opportunities for educators who are able to teach the business and technical aspects of 3D printing.
Universities and colleges are offering 3D printing classes and certificate programs, including NYU-SCPS’s certification in 3D Rapid prototyping printing. Teachers, naturally require prior experience working in or have experience in the 3D printing business. They will also require specific abilities to teach specific courses and keep up-to-date with the latest developments.
Salary — $27,040 to $62,400 per year
7. Legal professionals
There’s more proof to show that 3D printing is not limited to the realm of technology as a creative area and a wide-ranging industry, 3D printing is open to legal issues and a demand for more legal experts and lawyers who are experts on IP rights. (IP) right.
As a result, there’s a greater need for IP legal actions, enforcement, and litigation, and in the expansion of services to look for violations, Matthews explained. These areas of growth are IP ownership, the scope of rights and licensing fair use, and international rights.
Salary — $86,000 to $240,000 per year
8. Startup companies
Are you considering creating a new venture? 3D printing is a way to create creativity — not just for the production of products, but also for entrepreneurial ideas. 3D printing can be used for a variety of designs and technical roles and many of them are excellent business ideas to meet companies’ 3D printing requirements.
“As 3D printing technologies advance and become accessible to users at home surely this will create more business possibilities for those as well as companies that offer on-site or remote 3D printing solutions, as well as new industrial and product designers, and computer-aided design experts.
Salary — $53,000 to $130,000 per year
9. Administrative roles
3D printing businesses don’t rely on technicians and engineers alone. As the market expands both established and new 3D printing businesses require employees to ensure their operations run smoothly. This includes administrative and operations personnel analysts, analysts, finance and sales specialists, and retail employees.
“The companies that spring up with business models that are based on 3D printing may also require the more typical jobs that all companies need, such as shipping, marketing, clerical, and so on.
There are jobs opening in all types of 3D printing companies, which include manufacturers, vendors as well as retail shops.
Salary — $76,000 to $140,000 per year
Final Word
3D printing can provide a myriad of job opportunities with unlimited possibilities that anyone can take on. If you have an engineering background in components and devices or are a novice in CAD and want to experiment with something different to get work done 3D printing offers opportunities for those who are ready to grow professionally. Even a background that seems to have nothing to do with technology, like office management, may result in a job with a 3D printing company It’s all it takes to find the right job for your skills.