Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.
Also called: CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) · CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer) · Metal Model Maker · Model Builder · Model Maker · Model Maker Machinist
Median pay (national)
$62,700
$38,430–$95,780 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
3,230
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-18.2%
~300 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for model makers, metal and plastic shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $95,780 versus $38,430 at the bottom 10% — 2.5x. The median of $62,700 leaves roughly 53% 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 -18.2% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 300 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, Georgia pays the most for this role (median $84,700, +35% vs the national median), while Rhode Island sits lowest at $33,330 — a 154% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Reading Comprehension 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.
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- 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.
Tools & technology
- CNC Software Mastercam
- PTC Creo Parametric
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Sales and Marketing
- Customer and Personal Service