Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace patternmakers, metal and plastic?AI replacement risk 38% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$58,000
25th–75th pct. $49,070–$69,960
Top pay (est.)
$107,400
Top 10% $82,590
Pay in 5 years
$65,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$72,700est.
$62,600–$84,400
Outlook score
35/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
38%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−22.8%
100 openings / yr

Will AI replace Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic? AI replacement risk

38%
Low
Ranked #349 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 Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.1
Quality Control Analysis
3.1
Operation and Control
3.0
Complex Problem Solving
3.0
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Monitoring
3.0
Active Listening
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.8
Design
4.6
Engineering and Technology
4.6
Production and Processing
4.5
Mathematics
4.4
Computers and Electronics
3.2
Customer and Personal Service
3.1
English Language
3.1

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsProcessing InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

Important abilities

Near VisionVisualizationArm-Hand SteadinessInformation OrderingOral ExpressionFinger Dexterity

Training before entry

6–12 months
25%
None / short demo
22%
1–2 years
18%
3–6 months
15%
1–3 months
9%
2–4 years
7%
Up to 1 month
5%

Related work experience

4–6 years
30%
1–2 years
27%
2–4 years
25%
Over 10 years
9%
6–12 months
9%

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

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (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.