Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
SOC: 51-4062 O*NET: 51-4062.00
Median Salary
$54,540
per year
Job Growth
📉 -24.4%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
What does a Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic do?
How much can you earn?
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$32,724
25th
$43,632
50th (Median)
$54,540
75th
$65,448
90th
$81,810
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:1,600
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-24.4%
Annual Openings:100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)1,600
Current
2034 (Projected)1,200
-24.4%
-400
Employment Change
-24.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Quality Control Analysis
92%
#3
Operation and Control
86%
#4
Speaking
78%
#5
Reading Comprehension
70%
#6
Complex Problem Solving
62%
#7
Active Listening
56%
#8
Monitoring
48%
#9
Critical Thinking
40%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Quality Control Analysis
advanced4.6
92%
Operation and Control
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate3.9
78%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.5
70%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.1
62%
Active Listening
basic2.8
56%
Monitoring
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:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
advancedImportance92%
skills
4.6/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance78%
skills
3.9/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance70%
abilities
3.5/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance62%
abilities
3.1/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance56%
skills
2.8/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance48%
skills
2.4/5.0
Critical Thinking
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders100%
5 shared skills
Power Plant Operators90%
5 shared skills
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators90%
5 shared skills
Etchers and Engravers89%
5 shared skills
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders89%
5 shared skills
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders89%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Quality Control Analysis
- ✓Operation and Control
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Quality Control Analysis
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Speaking
- ★Reading Comprehension
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 Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Technology Intensity
Medium
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Excel
📚 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
VERY HIGH
👥
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 very high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What education is required?
Education Required
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Experience Required
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Job Training
Training of more than one year