⭐ Manufacturing ↑ 6% growth · Faster than average

Composite Technician

Composite technicians fabricate and repair parts made from advanced materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass, and Kevlar — materials that are lighter and stronger than steel. This specialty is booming in aerospace, wind energy, military, and automotive sectors as industries push for stronger, lighter components.

$50,200 Median Salary

45K US Jobs

1–2 years Training

$5,000–$18,000 Typical Cost

Get the free Starter Kit → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry-level composite technicians typically earn $20–$28 per hour in aerospace manufacturing environments. Experienced composites fabricators with autoclave operation and vacuum bagging expertise earn $30–$45 per hour. Lead technicians and composites process engineers at major aerospace manufacturers earn $60,000–$95,000 annually. IAM union composite technicians at Boeing receive the highest wages and comprehensive benefit packages in the industry. Wind blade composite workers at Siemens Gamesa, Vestas, or TPI Composites earn $20–$35 per hour depending on location and plant.

Entry Level

$36,000

Median

$50,200

Experienced

$72,000

Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

Projected Growth (10yr)

Faster than average

45K

Total US Jobs

Active positions nationwide

FAA Repairman Certificate

Required Credential

FAA Repairman Certificate (for aerospace) or IACCM certification

Composite technicians are in strong demand from aerospace, defense, automotive, wind energy, and marine industries where lightweight, high-strength structures are essential. The commercial aerospace backlog at Boeing and Airbus drives sustained demand for skilled composite fabricators. The wind energy industry's rapid expansion — adding hundreds of turbine blade production workers — is creating a new segment of composite employment. Advanced manufacturing programs in military aircraft, space launch vehicles, and next-generation electric aircraft are creating specialized composite work well into the 2030s. Technicians with experience in automated fiber placement or resin transfer molding are especially sought after.

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program

AAS in Composites Manufacturing or Apprenticeship

Program Length

1–2 years

Typical Tuition

$5,000–$18,000

Work Setting

Aerospace manufacturers, wind turbine facilities, defense contractors

Composite technician training is offered through community college programs in composite manufacturing technology, typically running one to two years. Programs cover materials science, resin systems, lay-up techniques, autoclave operation, vacuum bagging, inspection methods, and quality documentation. Many technicians enter the field from military aerospace maintenance backgrounds where composite repair was part of the technical training curriculum. Society of Manufacturing Engineers certifications and ACMA composite fabricator certifications provide professional validation. On-the-job training at aerospace employers is extensive — new composite technicians are carefully mentored before working independently on flight-critical structures.

🏆 Credential Required: FAA Repairman Certificate (for aerospace) or IACCM certification

☀️ Day in the Life

A Composite Technician in an aerospace manufacturing environment begins the shift by reviewing the lay-up schedule and pulling the correct carbon fiber prepreg materials from the controlled freezer, allowing them to warm to room temperature before use. Working in a clean room environment with gloves, protective clothing, and strict contamination protocols, they cut prepreg plies to the shapes specified in the ply book using a tempilet or digital cutting system. They apply each ply to the tool surface with careful orientation to specified fiber angles, consolidating with a rubber roller to remove air pockets. After completing the lay-up stack, they apply vacuum bagging film, breather fabric, and edge sealing tape before connecting to the autoclave vacuum system. They monitor vacuum integrity, load the tool into the autoclave, and set the cure cycle parameters — temperature ramp rates, hold times, and pressure profiles. Post-cure, they perform dimensional inspections and review the cure record for compliance with engineering requirements.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Pros

High-technology aerospace manufacturing work: Composites fabrication is a sophisticated materials science application — technicians work with cutting-edge materials in precision manufacturing environments.
Strong aerospace industry wages: IAM union composite technicians at major aerospace employers earn wages and benefits that rival many professional roles.
Wind energy employment expansion: The rapid growth of wind turbine blade manufacturing is creating thousands of new composite jobs in inland manufacturing regions.
Clean, controlled work environments: Composite lay-up rooms are clean, temperature-controlled, and generally more pleasant working environments than traditional heavy manufacturing shops.
Career advancement to process engineering: Experienced composite technicians who develop inspection, programming, or quality expertise advance to process technician and manufacturing engineer roles.

Cons

Chemical exposure risk: Handling uncured resins, epoxies, and carbon fiber dust requires strict PPE discipline — skin sensitization and respiratory sensitization are occupational risks.
Precise, repetitive work with high stakes: Ply orientation errors or contamination in flight-critical aerospace structures can cause structural failures — the quality pressure is intense.
Cleanroom protocol discipline required: Maintaining contamination controls, tracking material expiration dates, and following work instructions precisely requires sustained attention to detail.
Shift work at high-volume plants: Aerospace production facilities and wind blade plants often operate multiple shifts, requiring evening and weekend coverage rotation.

📍 Selden, NY

Certificate 1-<2yr

How to compare these options

Look for programs that align with the most common hiring path for Composite Technician in your state.
Ask whether graduates are prepared for any required credential, license, or employer screening step.
Compare cost, completion time, and schedule before making a final decision.

🗺️ Composite Technician by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

Get Your Composite Technician Starter Kit

Enter your email to get the free report plus state-specific next steps for Composite Technician training.

Optional: A few quick questions help us show better next steps.

I agree that USA Career Finder and its education or training partners may contact me about career training options by email, phone, call, text message, or prerecorded message at the number I provide. Consent is not required to use this site or purchase a blueprint. Message and data rates may apply. I can opt out at any time.