I work for a small size company as an inspector and having been programming CMM with PC-DMIS 2016 for about 1 year. The pay is not that good (under $20 per hr in Bay Area, CA) probably because I dont have too much experiences (i can make a program for inspecting complex parts tho). Is PC-DMIS programmer in high demand, especially in CA and does it pay well? Is this a good career to continue with?
Programming is the bomb, so satisfying. You grow to love keeping the tools clean and everything calibrated, and there is something about squaring up a part the right way to get in those hard to reach holes. Also I love a job I can have my headphones in all day. not to mention cruising this forum is an example of the type of freedom you get on the job.
I've been in a quality/metrology role for over 12 years. Cumulatively I have over 10 years of direct full-time PCDMIS programming experience. We are hunted, like Jim and Kirbster said above. Once you have the experience, demand is high. With higher demand comes higher pay.
In the long term scope of the career however, one must consider the ebbs and flows of the markets which utilize our products, PCDMIS, and reflect on the markets which employ our industry.
Here's my story: I was a draftsman in high school, graduated (2000) and became an architect in training (working on >$7million homes). Out of high school, 17 years ago I was making over $50k a year... Business was great.
Then, 9/11 hit and the housing market collapsed (not like in 2009, but over 70% of architects were out of work in 2002). Exposing the market crash for the product I provided (Architectural CAD Drafting) pushed me to think out of the box. This is when I was able to use my drafting vector-based skillset, and get a job as an inspector at an aerospace/defense manufacturer. I learned PCDMIS on v3.2 & 3.4. When we started sequestrations, and gov't budget constraints, money got tight for the organizations. Layoffs.
Then I went to a job in defense for 4 years (even with war on ISIS). More budget issues. Layoffs.
The pattern of market demands has helped me to understand if I want a stable career, I need to find a stable product market. In our profession, there's only a few: Aerospace, Defense, Medical, and at the moment Automotive and solar/green energy. Maybe there's a couple more, but for the most part, that's our product market.
Little more to be said, now I'm working for a medical plastics manufacturer... We have amazing benefits, ($500 deductible medical anyone?), but I'm getting paid similar to 17 years ago. I'm delighted though. Work is constant, we are growing. If you are not working in one of these markets, your days will eventually be numbered.
I made over 90k in a year, during the "flows" in aerospace and defense (in Arizona). During the "ebbs" money was lower, but the demand was always present for me. The longest stent of unemployment for me was 2 months during 2009. Most other instances, I had multiple offers within a month. Also, if your pay is high, you will likely be the first head chopped when money is tight.
Ok, Ok, settle down fruitcake, your over glorifying this. besides being in a temperature controlled room, sitting and drinking coffee, and trolling on this forum. This job is harder than it sounds. which reminds me I got to go get another cup.
Yeah I could probably relocate elsewhere in the US, or Europe and make even more money than eye due now but I like the mosquitoes here in Minnesota too much!
