Production
Model makers, metal and plastic
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.
Median pay
$63,340
Growth to 2035
−17%
declining
Openings a year
200
Time to qualify*
6 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Model makers, 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 standing
Model makers, metal and plastic: 70% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
- Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
- Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
- Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
- Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
- Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
- Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
- Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
Also called: CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) · CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer) · Metal Model Maker · Model Builder · Model Maker · Model Maker Machinist · Model Technician (Model Tech) · Molding Technician (Molding Tech)
Outlook and AI
Model makers, metal and plastic held 2,600 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 2,200 by 2035 (−17%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Capital/labor substitution - share decreases as models made with 3D printers replace hand crafted models.
Compare with
- Model makers, metal and plastic vs. Tool and die makers
- Model makers, metal and plastic vs. Layout workers, metal and plastic
- Model makers, metal and plastic vs. Machinist
- Model makers, metal and plastic vs. Engine and other machine assemblers
- Model makers, metal and plastic vs. Patternmakers, metal and plastic
- Model makers, metal and plastic vs. Model makers, wood
- Model makers, metal and plastic vs. Structural metal fabricators and fitters
- Model makers, metal and plastic vs. Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
- Model makers, metal and plastic vs. Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic