Model Makers, Metal & Plastic

Also Called: Metal Model Maker, Model Builder, Model Maker, Molding Technician

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$42,470

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What Model Makers, Metal & Plastic do

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.

  • Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
  • Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
  • Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
Industry Areas:

Advanced Manufacturing • Automotive & Machine Repair

Training Program Areas:

Industrial Engineering Technician • Machining • Manufacturing Technology • OCT-Only Advanced Manufacturing

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

Tools

  • Three dimensional printing machine
  • Drill press or radial drill
  • Soldering iron
  • Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe
  • Tinners snips

Technology

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
CNC Software Mastercam
Word processing software
Microsoft Word

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Operation and Control
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Monitoring
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
design
product and service development
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products

Education

  • % High school diploma or equivalent
  • % Post-secondary certificate
  • % Associate's degree

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Model Makers, Metal & Plastic Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Patternmakers, Metal & Plastic

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

First-Line Supervisors of Production & Operating Workers

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Logisticians

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

  • Gary - Job Corps

    San Marcos, Texas

ACT & College

  • American River College

    Sacramento, CA

  • Bakersfield College

    Bakersfield, CA

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

The Military offers exciting career opportunities that align with your interests. Click here to explore military careers and find a recruiter near you.

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Investigative (Thinker)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Innovation
  • Dependability
  • Initiative

Values

  • Support
  • Working Conditions
  • Achievement

Abilities

  • Hand and Finger Use
  • Verbal
  • Controlled Movement

This is what Model Makers, Metal & Plastic across the country typically make.

$20.42 / hour
$42,470 /year

Entry Level

$30.86 / hour
$64,190 /year

Median Level

$42.51 / hour
$88,420 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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