Production
Layout workers, metal and plastic
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.
Median pay
$63,870
Growth to 2035
−3%
declining
Openings a year
500
Time to qualify*
6 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Layout workers, metal and plastic
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Layout workers, metal and plastic: 62% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Development Mechanic · Layout Fabricator · Layout Fitter · Layout Inspector · Layout Man · Layout Mechanic · Layout Technician (Layout Tech) · Layout Worker
Outlook and AI
Layout workers, metal and plastic held 6,200 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 5,900 by 2035 (−3%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Layout workers, metal and plastic vs. Structural metal fabricators and fitters
- Layout workers, metal and plastic vs. Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
- Layout workers, metal and plastic vs. Patternmakers, metal and plastic
- Layout workers, metal and plastic vs. Model makers, metal and plastic
- Layout workers, metal and plastic vs. Sheet metal worker
- Layout workers, metal and plastic vs. Tool and die makers
- Layout workers, metal and plastic vs. Patternmakers, wood
- Layout workers, metal and plastic vs. Engine and other machine assemblers
- Layout workers, metal and plastic vs. Structural iron and steel workers
- Layout workers, metal and plastic vs. Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic