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.
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
SOC: 51-4061 O*NET: 51-4061.00
Median Salary
$62,700
per year
Job Growth
📉 -18.2%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Model Makers, Metal and Plastic do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$38,430
10th percentile
Early Career
$48,860
25th percentile
Median
$62,700
50th percentile
Experienced
$79,470
75th percentile
Top Earners
$95,780
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$38,430
25th
$48,860
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$62,700
Mean: $65,840
75th
$79,470
90th
$95,780
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $57,350 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $48,860 and $79,470
- •Salary spread is 48.8% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 3,230 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:3,200
Top Industries
Manufacturing65.3%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services26%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services26%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-18.2%
Annual Openings:300
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)3,200
Current
2034 (Projected)2,600
-18.2%
-600
Employment Change
-18.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Model Makers, Metal and Plastic professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 18 locations
Michigan
1,210 jobs$59,10013.10x
California
350 jobs$77,9700.91x
Ohio
240 jobs$68,5302.11x
Texas
160 jobs$45,8800.54x
New York
120 jobs$73,8400.61x
Massachusetts
110 jobs$65,6001.45x
Utah
70 jobs$51,9601.82x
Minnesota
70 jobs$51,6201.21x
North Carolina
70 jobs$46,6800.72x
Indiana
60 jobs$59,8000.83x
Iowa
60 jobs$52,4001.86x
Pennsylvania
50 jobs$00.36x
Florida
50 jobs$67,6000.26x
Missouri
50 jobs$57,2800.76x
New Jersey
40 jobs$43,0000.42x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operation and Control
100%
#2
Operations Monitoring
92%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Quality Control Analysis
78%
#5
Monitoring
70%
#6
Equipment Selection
62%
#7
Judgment and Decision Making
56%
#8
Troubleshooting
48%
#9
Time Management
40%
Skills Overview
Operation and Control
advanced5.0
100%
Operations Monitoring
advanced4.6
92%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.9
78%
Monitoring
intermediate3.5
70%
Equipment Selection
intermediate3.1
62%
Judgment and Decision Making
basic2.8
56%
Troubleshooting
basic2.4
48%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operation and Control
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance92%
skills
4.6/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance78%
skills
3.9/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance70%
skills
3.5/5.0
Equipment Selection
intermediateImportance62%
skills
3.1/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance56%
abilities
2.8/5.0
Troubleshooting
basicImportance48%
skills
2.4/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters90%
5 shared skills
Tool and Die Makers73%
5 shared skills
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians70%
5 shared skills
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas67%
5 shared skills
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood67%
5 shared skills
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic64%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Equipment Selection
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Operation and Control
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Quality Control Analysis
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
16
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (12)Operations & Execution (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Planning & Development (2)
1
Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution97% perform98%
3
Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •44% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.61
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.32
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.27
Innovation
Very ImportantInnovation
Importance Level4.22
Analytical Thinking
ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level3.87
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.85
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.6
Dependability
4.3
Independence
4.3
Innovation
4.2
Analytical Thinking
3.9
Initiative
3.9
Cooperation
3.6
Integrity
3.6
Persistence
3.5
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.5
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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