Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic in Pennsylvania
Considering working as a Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic in Pennsylvania? Here’s what you need to know. Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
What do Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Make in Pennsylvania?
For patternmakers, metal and plastic working in Pennsylvania, the median annual wage is $52,000 per year (or roughly $25.00/hour).Pay can range from $38,420 at the 10th percentile to $92,580 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,420 | $18.47 |
| 25th percentile | $46,870 | $22.54 |
| Median (50th) | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| 75th percentile | $59,270 | $28.49 |
| 90th percentile | $92,580 | $44.51 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Pennsylvania compared to the national average — is 2.77, indicating that patternmakers, metal and plastic are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, patternmakers, metal and plastic earn a median of $41,576 per year ($19.99/hour), above the Pennsylvania median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 737,941 patternmakers, metal and plastic nationwide. In Pennsylvania alone, around 170 people work in this role. That’s higher than the typical state, which employs around 70 patternmakers, metal and plastic.
Top Pennsylvania Metros for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
The largest metro-area employers of patternmakers, metal and plastic in Pennsylvania.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 40 | $52,220 |
Top States for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Employment
View the states that employ the most patternmakers, metal and plastic work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 210 |
| Pennsylvania | 170 |
| Indiana | 160 |
| Alabama | 160 |
| Michigan | 140 |
| Ohio | 120 |
| North Carolina | 70 |
| Texas | 60 |
| Washington | 40 |
| Illinois | 40 |
| Tennessee | 40 |
| Iowa | 40 |
| Minnesota | 40 |
Highest-Paying States for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
These states pay the most for patternmakers, metal and plastic.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $80,190 |
| Michigan | $73,730 |
| Minnesota | $66,120 |
| California | $65,570 |
| Massachusetts | $63,480 |
| Ohio | $63,420 |
| Iowa | $63,300 |
| Washington | $59,740 |
| Indiana | $53,980 |
| Texas | $52,960 |
Skills
The most important patternmakers, 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 patternmakers, metal and plastic, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic typically:
- 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.
- Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
- Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.
- Program computerized numerical control machine tools.
- Create computer models of patterns or parts, using modeling software.
- Design and create templates, patterns, or coreboxes according to work orders, sample parts, or mockups.
- Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments.
Work Activities
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Getting Information
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Thinking Creatively
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Training and Teaching Others
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: 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 patternmakers, metal and plastic include:
- Mechanical Drafters
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Also Known As
Acoustical Tile Patternmaker, All-Around Patternmaker, Boilermaker Loftsman, Chart Writer, Computer Patternmaker, Die Cast Die Maker, Die Inspector, Die Technician, Extrusion Die Coordinator, Extrusion Die Corrector, Extrusion Die Template Maker, Fixture Builder, Foundry Patternmaker, Freelance Patternmaker, Layout 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: 51-4062.00