Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
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 it pays
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $30.45/hr — about $63,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $19.12/hr; the top 10% earn $47.60/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $30.45/hr — about $63,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $19.12/hr; the top 10% earn $47.60/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- 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.
- Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
- Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
- Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
The feel of the work
The work is mostly indoors; much of the day is spent working solo; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 0% of model makers, metal and plastic are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, organized and detail-focused and analytical.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
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Quick questions
- How much does a model makers, metal and plastic make?
- The median pay is $30.45 per hour — roughly $63,500 a year, with the real range running from about $19.12/hr (10th percentile) to $47.60/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a model makers, metal and plastic?
- The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
- What does a model makers, metal and plastic actually do all day?
- 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.
Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.