How to become patternmakers, metal and plasticeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become patternmakers, metal and plastic

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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

2–4 years

Up to 1 month

Related work experience

4–6 years

30%

1–2 years

27%

2–4 years

25%

Over 10 years

6–12 months

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

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

Career path and how to earn more as patternmakers, metal and plastic

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Maintenance and Repair Workers, General Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair.	$49,590	60/100	26%
2	Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.	$50,620	61/100	27%
3	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers, such as inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators, and plant and system operators.	$74,450	50/100	47%
4	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers.	$79,860	58/100	38%
5	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications.	$48,570	45/100	55%
6	Industrial Machinery Mechanics Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems.	$64,520	74/100	26%

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.