3D printing technician
Also known as: 3D printing field service technician, 3D printer operator, prototyping technician, printer repairer, 3D printing technician, 3D printer repairman
About this occupation
3D Printing technicians assist in the designing and programming of products, ranging from prosthetic products to 3D miniatures. They may also provide 3D printing maintenance, check 3D renders for customers and run 3D printing tests. 3D printing technicians can also repair, maintain and clean 3D printers.
Essential skills and knowledge
- maintenance and repair
- 3D modelling
- operate 3D computer graphics software
- use technical drawing software
- advise client on technical possibilities
- 3D printing process
- CAD software
- adjust engineering designs
- maintenance of printing machines
- operate printing machinery
- printing materials
- identify customer's needs
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers (O*NET 49-2011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Travel to customers' stores or offices to service machines or to provide emergency repair service.
- Reassemble machines after making repairs or replacing parts.
- Advise customers concerning equipment operation, maintenance, or programming.
- Maintain parts inventories and order any additional parts needed for repairs.
- Converse with customers to determine details of equipment problems.
- Disassemble machines to examine parts, such as wires, gears, or bearings for wear or defects, using hand or power tools and measuring devices.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Active Listening, Repairing, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Troubleshooting, Speaking
US median pay: US$47,810 a year (2025), 65,600 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsExtremely important (4.5)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.1)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaVery important (3.6)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.3)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.2)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers
- Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers
- Computer User Support Specialists
- Robotics Technicians
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.