Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.
Also called: Development Mechanic · Layout Fabricator · Layout Fitter · Layout Inspector · Layout Man · Layout Mechanic
Median pay (national)
$61,870
$40,430–$93,230 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
5,610
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-5.4%
~500 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for layout workers, metal and plastic shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $93,230 versus $40,430 at the bottom 10% — 2.3x. The median of $61,870 leaves roughly 51% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -5.4% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 500 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 17 states with released data, Maryland pays the most for this role (median $99,750, +61% vs the national median), while South Carolina sits lowest at $38,810 — a 157% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills.
- Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled.
- Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals.
- Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames.
- Design and prepare templates of wood, paper, or metal.
- Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators.
- Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly.
- Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules.
- Lift and position workpieces in relation to surface plates, manually or with hoists, and using parallel blocks and angle plates.
- Install doors, hatches, brackets, and clips.
Tools & technology
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Hexagon Metrology PC-DMIS
- Inventory tracking software
- Optical Gaging Products Measure-X
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Mathematics
- Design
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Building and Construction
- Administration and Management