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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

Median Salary
49,670
Job Outlook
-6%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to decline 6 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 91,800 openings for metal and plastic machine workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$35,340

10%

$49,670

Median

$76,020

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Some college

    40%

  • High school

    33%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    15%

  • Less than high school

    8%

  • Associate's degree

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mechanical
  • Production and Processing
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Design

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Artistic

You love creating things and expressing yourself through art, writing and music.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test