Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Also called: Aircraft Mockup Builder, Appliances Sample Maker, Auto Manufacturing Model Maker (Automotive Manufacturing Model Maker), Clock and Watch Model Maker, CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator), CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer), Dioramist
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects.
What model makers, metal and plastic do
Typical 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.
- Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
- Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
- Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.
- Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.
Typical path into the job (BLS)
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic salary
The median annual wage for model makers, metal and plastic is $63,340 (BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, national). The lowest 10 percent earn less than $39,760 and the highest 10 percent earn more than $99,010. The mean annual wage is $68,570.
The mean hourly wage of $32.00 is 4.4× the federal minimum wage of $7.25. State minimums are higher in most large states. Minimum wage by state →
How does your pay compare with people your age?
Your numbers are not sent or stored. The comparison uses this occupation's BLS wage percentiles, adjusted for age with BLS median weekly earnings by age group (Q3 2026).
Pay by percentile
Annual wage percentiles from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Percentiles are a good proxy for pay by experience.
Projected pay for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic (3, 5 and 10 years)est.
Today $63,340 → in 3 years $67,700 → in 5 years $70,800 → in 10 years $79,100 (10-year range $68,000–$91,800). The model assumes pay growth of +2.2% per year.
What drives the annual growth rate
Projected pay = current pay × (1 + annual growth)^years. The annual growth rate starts from a base wage-growth rate and adds or subtracts labor demand (BLS projected employment growth), wage momentum and AI replacement risk for each occupation. Projections are not guarantees. How it is calculated →
Outlook score for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Each component is a percentile rank among all occupations in the same country (0–100). Weights: labor demand 25, wage momentum / openings 15, pay level 15, AI resistance 25, aging workforce 10 (Japan only), entry barrier 10.
Will AI replace Model Makers, Metal and Plastic? AI replacement risk
How AI is changing this job
A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.
AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →
Labor demand for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Employment projections are from the BLS Employment Projections program (2025–35). Annual openings include both new jobs and replacement of workers who leave the occupation.
Skills, education and requirements for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Important abilities
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
How to become model makers, metal and plastic
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Career path and how to earn more as model makers, metal and plastic
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.