What You Need to Know About Metal and Plastic Model Makers

Metal & Plastic Model Maker Job Description 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?

• Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.
• Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
• Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.
• Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
• Consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications.
• Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components.

Things a Metal & Plastic Model Maker Should Know How to Do

When polled, Metal and Plastic Model Makers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

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.

Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Types of Metal & Plastic Model Maker Jobs

• Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator)
• Liner Worker
• Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist)
• Welding Prototype Operator
• Tooling Technician

What Kind of Metal & Plastic Model Maker Job Opportunities Are There?

There were about 6,300 jobs for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in 2016 (in the United States).

Metal and Plastic Model Maker jobs are decreasing by a rate of -12.2%. This means the total job opportunities are shrinking. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a loss of -800 jobs for Metal and Plastic Model Makers by 2026. 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 Model Makers, Metal and Plastic are Utah, Arizona, and Florida.

Watch out if you plan on working in Michigan, Wisconsin, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What is the Average Salary of a Metal & Plastic Model Maker

The average yearly salary of a Metal & Plastic Model Maker ranges between $31,410 and $84,250. A Metal and Plastic Model Maker median salary is $56,130.

How much do Model Makers, Metal and Plastic make in each U.S. state?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
Washington	$70,040
Massachusetts	$65,900
Connecticut	$65,590
South Carolina	$63,910
New York	$63,360
Colorado	$62,240
Illinois	$62,050
Michigan	$61,900
Missouri	$60,370
California	$58,710
Texas	$57,660
New Jersey	$57,260
Florida	$55,720
Kentucky	$55,630
Pennsylvania	$55,580
Wisconsin	$54,180
Ohio	$52,400
Virginia	$52,290
Arizona	$50,800
Tennessee	$50,150
Iowa	$47,210
Indiana	$46,360
Utah	$44,810
Oklahoma	$39,920
Minnesota	$39,330
North Carolina	$38,980

What Tools & Technology do Metal and Plastic Model Makers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Metal and Plastic Model Makers:

• Microsoft Word
• Creo Parametric
• Microsoft Excel

How do I Become a Metal & Plastic Model Maker?

What education or degrees do I need to become a Metal and Plastic Model Maker?

How Long Does it Take to Become Metal & Plastic Model Maker?

Where do Metal and Plastic Model Makers Work?

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming Metal and Plastic Model Makers might also be interested in the following careers:

• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

Career changers with experience as a Metal and Plastic Model Maker sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

• Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons