Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace model makers, metal and plastic?AI replacement risk 44% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$63,340
25th–75th pct. $47,360–$86,740
Top pay (est.)
$128,700
Top 10% $99,010
Pay in 5 years
$70,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$79,100est.
$68,000–$91,800
Outlook score
34/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
44%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−17.3%
200 openings / yr

Will AI replace Model Makers, Metal and Plastic? AI replacement risk

44%
Moderate
Ranked #425 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

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 →

Skills, education and requirements for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.5
Quality Control Analysis
3.4
Operations Monitoring
3.4
Critical Thinking
3.2
Troubleshooting
3.2
Equipment Selection
3.0
Time Management
3.0
Monitoring
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.6
Mathematics
3.9
Computers and Electronics
3.7
Design
3.6
Production and Processing
3.6
Engineering and Technology
3.5
Chemistry
2.6
Sales and Marketing
2.6

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Near VisionReaction TimeVisualizationControl PrecisionOral ComprehensionFinger Dexterity

Education of workers

Post-secondary certificate
38%
Some college
15%
Associate's degree
5%

Training before entry

None / short demo
16%
Up to 1 month
16%
3–6 months
14%
2–4 years
5%
1–3 months
2%
4–10 years
2%

Related work experience

1–2 years
40%
2–4 years
27%
None
19%
6–12 months
11%
6–8 years
2%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.