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Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

ManufacturingO*NET 51-4062.00United States

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

COMING SOON See related ASU learning
Median annual earnings
$58,011

50th percentile, United States

Projected change
−23.8%

2025 to 2035

Typical education
High school diploma or less

42.2% of the workforce

Employment
1.53K jobs

Growing to 1.16K by 2035

Explore this career by location

Compare nationwide estimates with state or county job-market data.

Showing United States

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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.

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The work

What patternmakers, metal and plastic do

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

  • Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
  • Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
  • Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
  • Repair and rework templates and patterns.
  • Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
  • Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.
  • Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
  • Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.

Pay and outlook

What the job pays and where it is heading

Annual earnings range

Reported earnings by percentile, United States

10th percentile
$42,474
25th percentile
$49,067
50th percentile
$58,011
75th percentile
$69,950
90th percentile
$82,597

The gold marker shows the median. Half earn more than $58,011 and half earn less.

Employment outlook

2025 to 2035 projection

−23.8%projected to decline
20251,527 jobs
2035 projected1,163 jobs

364 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
42.2%
Some college
40.3%
Certificate
15%
Associate degree
2.5%
Bachelor's degree
0.1%

Skills

Skills employers ask for

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

  • Pattern Making
  • Textiles
  • Machinery
  • Mechanical Aptitude
  • Sewing
  • Garment Construction
  • Tooling
  • Hand Tools
  • Lifting Ability
  • Packaging And Labeling
  • Machine Operation
  • New Product Development
  • Machine Setup
  • General Mathematics
  • Workflow Management
  • Calipers
  • Machining
  • Blueprinting
  • Continuous Improvement Process
  • Flexography

How the work gets done

Core competencies

Broad capabilities associated with strong performance in this occupation.

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.
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Operations Analysis
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

In the market

Job titles and employers

Recent job postings in United States

Common job titles

  1. 01Patternmakers169 postings
  2. 02Die Cutter Operators110 postings
  3. 03Die Cutters29 postings
  4. 04Production Patternmakers19 postings
  5. 05Mold Makers Apprentice7 postings
  6. 06Sample Makers7 postings
  7. 07Boilermaker Journeymen5 postings
  8. 08Flexographic Press Operators5 postings
  9. 09Seamstresses5 postings
  10. 10Swimwear Designers4 postings
  11. 11Pattern Designers3 postings
  12. 12Seamstresses/Tailors3 postings
  13. 13Canvassers2 postings
  14. 14Corrugator Operators2 postings
  15. 15Costume Interns2 postings
  16. 16Cutters2 postings
  17. 17Journeyman Painters2 postings
  18. 18Registered Nurse First Assistants2 postings
  19. 19Aerospace Painters1 postings
  20. 20Clothing Managers1 postings

Top employers

  1. 01Aerotek17 postings
  2. 02Quad-C Management14 postings
  3. 03R.R. Donnelley & Sons11 postings
  4. 04Randstad9 postings
  5. 0524 Seven8 postings
  6. 06Alexander Wang8 postings
  7. 07Barton Staffing Solutions6 postings
  8. 08Jessilyn Personnel5 postings
  9. 09Packaging Corporation of America5 postings
  10. 10The Lawton Standard Co.5 postings
  11. 11Voestalpine5 postings
  12. 12General Motors4 postings
  13. 13Graphic Packaging International4 postings
  14. 14International Paper4 postings
  15. 15Accurate Personnel3 postings
  16. 16Aquent3 postings
  17. 17Kellwood Company3 postings
  18. 18Smyth Companies3 postings
  19. 19Spherion Staffing3 postings
  20. 20W3Global3 postings

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