What Does it Take to Be a Metal and Plastic Layout Worker?
Position Description Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.
Daily Life Of a Metal & Plastic Layout Worker
- Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames.
- Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators.
- Apply pigment to layout surfaces, using paint brushes.
- Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals.
- Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules.
- Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled.
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Metal & Plastic Layout Worker Skills
When polled, Metal and Plastic Layout Workers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Types of Metal and Plastic Layout Worker
- Dimensional Inspector
- Layout Man
- Machine Lay Out Worker
- Location and Measurement Technician
- Solid Surface Fabricator
Job Outlook for Metal and Plastic Layout Workers
In the United States, there were 9,200 jobs for Metal and Plastic Layout Worker in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Metal and Plastic Layout Worker. There will be an estimated 900 positions for Metal & Plastic Layout Worker per year.

The states with the most job growth for Metal & Plastic Layout Worker are Arizona, Utah, and Georgia. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, North Carolina, or Michigan. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Metal and Plastic Layout Workers Make A Lot Of Money?
Metal and Plastic Layout Workers make between $28,860 and $64,280 a year.

Metal and Plastic Layout Workers who work in Michigan, Oregon, or Rhode Island, make the highest salaries.
How much do Metal and Plastic Layout Workers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $30,730 |
Arizona | $43,280 |
California | $41,790 |
Florida | $43,380 |
Georgia | $40,250 |
Indiana | $49,300 |
Iowa | $48,660 |
Kentucky | $42,750 |
Louisiana | $55,070 |
Maryland | $44,760 |
Massachusetts | $50,300 |
Michigan | $58,030 |
Minnesota | $51,080 |
Missouri | $43,170 |
New Jersey | $36,400 |
New York | $46,130 |
North Carolina | $39,360 |
Ohio | $42,370 |
Oregon | $59,720 |
Pennsylvania | $49,780 |
Rhode Island | $56,640 |
Tennessee | $45,730 |
Texas | $41,920 |
Virginia | $49,210 |
Washington | $58,000 |
Wisconsin | $44,390 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Metal and Plastic Layout Workers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Metal and Plastic Layout Workers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Data entry software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Inventory tracking software
- Hexagon Metrology PC-DMIS
How do I Become a Metal & Plastic Layout Worker?
Education needed to be a Metal and Plastic Layout Worker:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Metal & Plastic Layout Worker?

Where Metal and Plastic Layout Workers Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Metal and Plastic Layout Worker might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Metal and Plastic Layout Worker sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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