Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

ManufacturingO*NET 51-4061.00United States

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.

COMING SOON See related ASU learning

Median annual earnings: $63,336
Projected change: −8.2%
Typical education: High school diploma or less
Employment: 2.7K jobs

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Build the skills

ASU learning related to this career

These courses and certificates are connected through catalog career relationships and Lightcast skill tags.

The work

What model makers, metal and plastic do

Tasks reported for this occupation, ordered by how often they come up in the role.

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.
Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.
Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.
Consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications.

Pay and outlook

What the job pays and where it is heading

Annual earnings range

Reported earnings by percentile, United States

10th percentile: $39,770
25th percentile: $47,362
50th percentile: $63,336
75th percentile: $86,736
90th percentile: $99,008

The gold marker shows the median. Half earn more than $63,336 and half earn less.

Employment outlook

2025 to 2035 projection

−8.2%projected to decline

20252,697 jobs

2035 projected2,476 jobs

221 fewer positions over the decade, before replacement hiring.

Preparation

Education levels

What people currently working in the career hold. These are not entry requirements.

High school diploma or less: 41%
Certificate: 37.7%
Some college: 15.5%
Associate degree: 5%
Master's or Professional degree: 0.8%

Skills

Skills employers ask for

Technical skills appearing most often in job postings for this occupation.

Welding
Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
Power Tool Operation
Sawing
Calipers
Fabrication
Machining
CNC Machining
Hand Tools
Tape Measure
Workflow Management
Housekeeping
Lifting Ability
Micrometer
Development Environment
Loading And Unloading
Nail Gun
Sheet Metal
Tooling
Working at Heights

How the work gets done

Core competencies

Broad capabilities associated with strong performance in this occupation.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Selection: Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

In the market

Job titles and employers

Recent job postings in United States

Common job titles

01Model Makers12 postings
02Builders8 postings
03Prototype Managers3 postings
04Fixture Builders2 postings
05Aerospace Technicians1 postings
06Fiberglass Technicians1 postings
07Product Builders1 postings
08Prototype Machinists1 postings

Top employers

01Wells4 postings
02Wells Concrete4 postings
03Precision Material Handling Equipment2 postings
04Superior Cam2 postings
051st Street NW Technical Staffing1 postings
06Abrazo Group1 postings
07Aerotek1 postings
08Amazon1 postings
09Artiflex Manufacturing1 postings
10Ej Painting & Fiberglass1 postings
11Espas1 postings
12Falcon Engineering1 postings
13Insight Global1 postings
14J.B. Poindexter & Co1 postings
15Ketco Ltd1 postings
16Metalbuilt1 postings
17Oakley Industries1 postings
18Pt Tech Stamping1 postings
19Safran1 postings
20U.H.I1 postings

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