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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.
Other titles employers use
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)
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Quality Control Analysis
- Monitoring
- Equipment Selection
Subjects to know
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
Useful strengths
- Near Vision
- Visualization
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Manual Dexterity
- Finger Dexterity
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.8 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 4.6 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 4.6 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.5 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A certificate or some college 53%
- High school or less 41%
- A two-year degree 5%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Word processing software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Computer aided design CAD software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 720
- Job openings each year
- 60
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- −17.2%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 720 | 60 | −17.2% |
| Ohio | 240 | 20 | −27.3% |
| New Jersey | 200 | 20 | −16.7% |
| Georgia | 160 | 10 | −5.9% |
| Nebraska | 150 | 10 | −11.8% |
| Minnesota | 90 | 10 | −18.2% |
| Florida | 70 | 10 | −12.5% |
| Texas | 60 | 0 | — |
| Washington | 60 | 10 | 20.0% |
| Indiana | 50 | 0 | −16.7% |
| Iowa | 50 | 10 | −16.7% |
| Utah | 50 | 0 | 25.0% |
| Wisconsin | 50 | 0 | — |
| Colorado | 40 | 0 | — |
| Kentucky | 20 | 0 | — |
| South Carolina | 20 | 0 | — |
| New Hampshire | 10 | 0 | — |
| Oregon | 10 | 0 | — |
| Rhode Island | 10 | 0 | −50.0% |
Career to college
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Where to study
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