Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic in California
Considering working as a Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic in California? Here’s what the data says. 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.
What do Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic Make in California?
For a layout workers, metal and plastic working in California, the typical annual salary is $71,780 per year (or roughly $34.51/hour).Annual wages span from $52,220 at the 10th percentile to $88,640 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,220 | $25.11 |
| 25th percentile | $62,080 | $29.85 |
| Median (50th) | $71,780 | $34.51 |
| 75th percentile | $79,770 | $38.35 |
| 90th percentile | $88,640 | $42.61 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in California compared to the national average — is 0.48, meaning fewer layout workers, metal and plastic per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, layout workers, metal and plastic earn a median of $53,306 per year ($25.63/hour), exceeding the California median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 560,418 layout workers, metal and plastic nationwide. In California alone, about 310 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 160 layout workers, metal and plastic.
Top California Metros for Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
The metro areas below employ the most layout workers, metal and plastic in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 120 | $73,790 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 100 | $71,780 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 40 | $65,360 |
Top States for Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic Employment
These states have the highest employment of layout workers, metal and plastic work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Virginia | 790 |
| Kansas | 590 |
| Washington | 490 |
| California | 310 |
| Michigan | 290 |
| Florida | 170 |
| Texas | 170 |
| Georgia | 160 |
| Wisconsin | 150 |
| Alabama | 140 |
| Massachusetts | 110 |
| Pennsylvania | 100 |
| South Carolina | 80 |
| Tennessee | 80 |
| New York | 70 |
| Indiana | 50 |
Highest-Paying States for Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
These states pay the most for layout workers, metal and plastic.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Maryland | $99,750 |
| Kansas | $76,730 |
| Washington | $75,750 |
| Virginia | $72,780 |
| California | $71,780 |
| Florida | $62,880 |
| Massachusetts | $62,870 |
| Indiana | $61,270 |
| New York | $60,740 |
| Pennsylvania | $59,450 |
Skills
Top layout workers, metal and plastic skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for layout workers, metal and plastic, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills.
- 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.
- Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators.
- Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals.
- Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames.
- Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly.
- Lift and position workpieces in relation to surface plates, manually or with hoists, and using parallel blocks and angle plates.
- Design and prepare templates of wood, paper, or metal.
- Install doors, hatches, brackets, and clips.
- Brace parts in position within hulls or ships for riveting or welding.
- Inspect machined parts to verify conformance to specifications.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Processing Information
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
- Precision Metal Working
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Careers similar to layout workers, metal and plastic include:
- Mechanical Drafters
- Boilermakers
- Carpenters
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Also Known As
Aircraft Lay Out Worker, Bellmaker, Development Mechanic, Dimensional Inspector, Duplicator, Hangersmith, Lay-Out Worker, Layout Fabricator, Layout Fitter, Layout Inspector, Layout Man, Layout Mechanic, Layout Technician (Layout Tech), Layout Worker, Location and Measurement Technician.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 51-4192.00
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