Production
Patternmakers, metal and plastic
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
Median pay
$58,000
Growth to 2035
−23%
declining
Openings a year
100
Time to qualify*
6 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Patternmakers, 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
Hazardous conditions
Patternmakers, metal and plastic: 61% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
- Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
- Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
- Repair and rework templates and patterns.
- Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
- Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
- Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.
- Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments.
Also called: Die Cast Die Maker · Fixture Builder · Journeyman Patternmaker · Layout Technician (Layout Tech) · Metal Mold Maker · Metal Patternmaker · Model Maker · Mold Maker
Outlook and AI
Patternmakers, metal and plastic held 1,500 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 1,100 by 2035 (−23%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Productivity change - share decreases as some patternmaking tasks are done by software and 3D printers, requiring fewer of these workers.
Compare with
- Patternmakers, metal and plastic vs. Fabric and apparel patternmakers
- Patternmakers, metal and plastic vs. Patternmakers, wood
- Patternmakers, metal and plastic vs. Tool and die makers
- Patternmakers, metal and plastic vs. Layout workers, metal and plastic
- Patternmakers, metal and plastic vs. Model makers, metal and plastic
- Patternmakers, metal and plastic vs. Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic
- Patternmakers, metal and plastic vs. Etchers and engravers
- Patternmakers, metal and plastic vs. Structural metal fabricators and fitters
- Patternmakers, metal and plastic vs. Grinding and polishing workers, hand
- Patternmakers, metal and plastic vs. Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic