Metal Workers and Plastic Workers

How to become a Metal and Plastic Model Maker

Official title: Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Also called: CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer), Metal Model Maker, Model Builder, Model Maker, Model Maker Machinist, Model Technician (Model Tech), Molding Technician (Molding Tech), Pattern Finisher, Prototype Special Build

Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.

Main tasks

Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.

How to become one

Metal and plastic workers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive 1 year of on-the-job training. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmers typically need postsecondary training.

Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

Apprenticeship: Model Maker (Auto Mfg) (Alternate Title: Model Making-Metal).
Apprenticeship: Model Maker, Firearms.
Apprenticeship: Prototype Model Maker.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $63,340 a year The middle half earn $47,360 to $86,740.
About 2,600 people work in this job now, and about 2,200 are projected by 2035. (-17.3%)
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Metal and Plastic Model Maker?

How much does a Metal and Plastic Model Maker earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $63,340 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $47,360 to $86,740.

Is a Metal and Plastic Model Maker a growing career in the US?

Employment is projected to fall 17% by 2035, from about 2,600 to about 2,200 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Metal and Plastic Model Maker?

Usually not. Only 7% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Model Maker (Auto Mfg) (Alternate Title: Model Making-Metal).

Will AI change the work of a Metal and Plastic Model Maker?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

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.