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Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

	Median Wage (USD, 2024)	Projected Job Openings (2023-2033)	Projected Growth (2023-2033)
National Statistics	$62,700	200	-17.6%
State Statistics	-	-	-
City Statistics	-	-	-

Statistics

National

State

City

State

City

$62,700

Median Wage (USD, 2023)

200

Projected Job Openings (2023-2033)

-17.6%

Projected Growth (2023-2033)

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.

Experience Requirements Overview

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
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.
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education, Training and Experience

Required Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

Related Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years

On-Site or In-Plant Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

Detailed Work Activities

Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
Operate cutting equipment.
Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.
Shape metal workpieces with hammers or other small hand tools.
Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
Operate grinding equipment.
Record operational or production data.
Repair parts or assemblies.
Assemble metal or plastic parts or products.
Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
Confer with others to resolve production problems or equipment malfunctions.
Assemble metal or plastic parts or products.
Design tools, fixtures, or other devices for production equipment.
Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
Build production molds.
Solder parts or workpieces.
Program equipment to perform production tasks.
Program equipment to perform production tasks.

Work Values

Achievement

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions

Recognition

Relationships

Support

Independence

Tasks

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.
Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
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.
Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.
Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines.
Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components.

Work Styles

Leadership

Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Achievement/Effort

Persistence

Initiative

Cooperation

Concern for Others

Social Orientation

Self-Control

Stress Tolerance

Adaptability/Flexibility

Dependability

Attention to Detail

Integrity

Independence

Innovation

Analytical Thinking

Data Source: This page includes information from the O*NET 30.0 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. This page includes Employment Projections program, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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