How much does a patternmakers, metal and plastic make?

The median pay is $27.89 per hour — roughly $58,000 a year, with the real range running from about $20.42/hr (10th percentile) to $39.71/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a patternmakers, 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 patternmakers, metal and plastic actually do all day?

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.

Manufacturing & Production

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

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

What it pays
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $27.89/hr — about $58,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $20.42/hr; the top 10% earn $39.71/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

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.
Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.

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

Time pressure is a real part of the job. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0% of patternmakers, 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 creative.

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Quick questions

How much does a patternmakers, metal and plastic make?: The median pay is $27.89 per hour — roughly $58,000 a year, with the real range running from about $20.42/hr (10th percentile) to $39.71/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a patternmakers, 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 patternmakers, metal and plastic actually do all day?: 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.

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.