All About Metal and Plastic Model Makers
Job Description & Duties 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.
Life As a Metal & Plastic Model Maker: What Do They Do?
- Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
- Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.
- Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
- Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
- Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacture (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.
- Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.
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Metal & Plastic Model Maker Needed Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Metal and Plastic Model Makers say are important on the job.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Experimental Mechanic
- Process Mold Technician
- Injection Mold Technician
- Prototype Fabricator
- Product Builder
Is There Job Demand for Metal and Plastic Model Makers?
There were about 6,300 jobs for Metal and Plastic Model Maker in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Metal and Plastic Model Maker. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 600 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Metal & Plastic Model Maker are Utah, Arizona, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Oregon, Kentucky, or Colorado. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Metal & Plastic Model Maker Average Salary
Metal and Plastic Model Makers make between $31,410 and $84,250 a year.
Metal and Plastic Model Makers who work in Washington, Massachusetts, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Metal and Plastic Model Makers in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $50,800 |
| California | $58,710 |
| Colorado | $62,240 |
| Connecticut | $65,590 |
| Florida | $55,720 |
| Illinois | $62,050 |
| Indiana | $46,360 |
| Iowa | $47,210 |
| Kentucky | $55,630 |
| Massachusetts | $65,900 |
| Michigan | $61,900 |
| Minnesota | $39,330 |
| Missouri | $60,370 |
| New Jersey | $57,260 |
| New York | $63,360 |
| North Carolina | $38,980 |
| Ohio | $52,400 |
| Oklahoma | $39,920 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,580 |
| South Carolina | $63,910 |
| Tennessee | $50,150 |
| Texas | $57,660 |
| Utah | $44,810 |
| Virginia | $52,290 |
| Washington | $70,040 |
| Wisconsin | $54,180 |
What Tools do Metal and Plastic Model Makers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Metal and Plastic Model Makers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- CNC Software Mastercam
How do I Become a Metal & Plastic Model Maker?
Individuals working as a Metal and Plastic Model Maker have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Metal & Plastic Model Maker?
Metal and Plastic Model Makers Sector
The table below shows the approximate number of Metal and Plastic Model Makers employed by various industries.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Metal and Plastic Model Maker might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Metal and Plastic Model Maker in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
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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