Patternmakers, Metal & Plastic

Also Called: Metal Pattern Maker, Pattern Maker, Patternmaker, Wax Molder

Some College

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$36,280

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What Patternmakers, Metal & Plastic do

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

  • 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.
  • Repair and rework templates and patterns.
Industry Areas:

Advanced Manufacturing • Automotive & Machine Repair • Construction

Training Program Areas:

Glaziery • Industrial Engineering Technician • Machining • Manufacturing Technology • OCT-Only Advanced Manufacturing • OCT-Only Construction • Welding

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  • Time Pressure
  • Contact With Others

Tools

  • Scribers
  • Rulers
  • Power saws
  • Casting machines
  • Micrometers

Technology

Computer aided design CAD software
3D Systems Geomagic Design X
Autodesk AutoCAD
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Delcam PowerMILL
Mastercam
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Operation Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving

Knowledge

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

Education

  • % Some college, no degree
  • % High school diploma or equivalent
  • % Post-secondary certificate

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

Drilling & Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Patternmakers, Metal & Plastic Currently Selected

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Craft Artists

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

  • Albuquerque - Job Corps

    Albuquerque, New Mexico

  • Anaconda Civilian Conservation Center - Job Corps

    Anaconda, Montana

ACT & College

  • American River College

    Sacramento, CA

  • Arkansas State University-Beebe

    Beebe, AR

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
  • Dependability
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Cooperation
  • Independence
  • Integrity

Values

  • Support
  • Independence
  • Relationships

Abilities

  • Hand and Finger Use
  • Ideas and Logic

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

$17.44 / hour
$36,280 /year

Entry Level

$23.88 / hour
$49,670 /year

Median Level

$37.13 / hour
$77,230 /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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