How To Become A Prototype Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is a prototype technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted expert

John Irwin EdD

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a prototype technician. For example, did you know that they make an average of $21.67 an hour? That's $45,071 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 0% and produce -400 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a prototype technician?

John Irwin EdD

Chair, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology, Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Michigan Technological University

Engineering technology graduates are masters of technology, gaining a broad and deep understanding of the processes, systems, tools, and techniques necessary to construct, modify, operate, and maintain an engineering design. They act as technological integrators, bridging the gap between the skilled trades and engineering fundamentals. This is a great career path for those who enjoy engineering concepts but would rather spend time working with their hands solving specific technical issues than tackling broader, more complex design challenges.

ScorePrototype TechnicianUS Average

Salary

3.5

Avg. Salary $45,071

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

2.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.15%

Asian 8.05%

Black or African American 6.26%

Hispanic or Latino 10.43%

Unknown 4.32%

White 70.79%

Gender

female 12.70%

male 87.30%

Age - 52

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 52

Stress level

5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a prototype technician

Explore prototype technician education requirements

Most common prototype technician degrees

Associate

37.8 %

Bachelor's

25.4 %

High School Diploma

22.8 %

Start to develop specific prototype technician skills

Skills	Percentages
CAD	10.87%
Hand Tools	10.06%
CNC	6.71%
Prototyping	6.11%
Calipers	5.91%

Complete relevant prototype technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New prototype technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a prototype technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real prototype technician resumes.

Research prototype technician duties and responsibilities

Manage and distribute cad standards to contributing design consultants and assist with any design issues as necessary.
Wire and solder all connections to FDA standards.
Finish SLA and SLS parts for mold development.
Experience in reading micrometers, calipers, and blueprints.

Prepare your prototype technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your prototype technician resume.

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