Metal Workers and Plastic Workers

How to become a Metal and Plastic Patternmaker

Official title: Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

Also called: Die Cast Die Maker, Fixture Builder, Journeyman Patternmaker, Layout Technician (Layout Tech), Metal Mold Maker, Metal Patternmaker, Model Maker, Mold Maker, Pattern Repair Person, Wax Molder

Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.

Main tasks

Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
Repair and rework templates and patterns.
Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.
Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments.

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: Patternmaker, Metal.
Apprenticeship: Patternmaker (Metal Prod).
Apprenticeship: Patternmaker, Plastics.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $58,000 a year The middle half earn $49,070 to $69,960.
About 1,500 people work in this job now, and about 1,100 are projected by 2035. (-22.8%)
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 Patternmaker?

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

Median full-time pay is $58,000 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $49,070 to $69,960.

Is a Metal and Plastic Patternmaker a growing career in the US?

Employment is projected to fall 23% by 2035, from about 1,500 to about 1,100 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Metal and Plastic Patternmaker?

Usually not. Only 7% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Patternmaker, Metal.

Will AI change the work of a Metal and Plastic Patternmaker?

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.