What Do Model Makers, Metal And Plastic Do

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Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Model Makers, Metal And Plastic

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.

Salary
$58180
Becoming One
Medium
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth
Low

Personality


What they do

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.

  • Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
  • Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
  • Drill, countersink and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
  • Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.

Typical day

On a daily basis, Metal and Plastic Model Makers set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models. They layout and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.

A typical day for a Model Maker, Metal and Plastic will also include:

  • Drill, countersink and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
  • Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
  • Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacture (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.
  • Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions required equipment and operations sequences.
  • Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Metal and Plastic Model Makers also wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components. They may also use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacture (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Metal and Plastic Model Makers assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines. They might also consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications.

In addition, they program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.

To some Metal and Plastic Model Makers, it is also their responsibility to rework or alter component models or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.

What is the job like

Job satisfaction

High

Is this job meaningful

Low

70% said they were satisfied with their job and 31% said they found their job meaningful.


Pros

Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.

Suitable for people who want to work in a supportive work environment.

This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.

It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.

Cons

Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.

Salary is below average.

How much do they make

Average salary

$58180 per year

Average hourly wage

$28 per hour

Entry-level Model Makers, Metal And Plastic with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $32,950 to $42,180 per year or $16 to $20 per hour.

Salary by experience Annual Hourly
Highest (Top 10%) $85,770 $41
Senior (Top 25%) $74,210 $36
Median $54,780 $26
Junior (Bottom 25%) $42,180 $20
No experience (Bottom 10%) $32,950 $16

This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Model Makers, Metal And Plastic based on their average annual salary.

Salary by industry Annual Hourly
Scientific Research and Development Services $82220 $39.53
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing $76120 $36.60
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing $72610 $34.91
Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing $70880 $34.08
Management of Companies and Enterprises $70810 $34.04
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services $66590 $32.02
Electrical Equipment Manufacturing $65390 $31.44
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing $61730 $29.68
Specialized Design Services $60630 $29.15
Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing $59200 $28.46

View more salary by industries here.

Where can they work

Where can Model Makers, Metal And Plastic work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Model Makers, Metal And Plastic including the average salary in that industry.

Employers Total Employed Annual Salary Hourly Wages
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services 350 $66590 $32.02
Machinery Manufacturing 270 $49150 $23.63
Specialized Design Services 260 $60630 $29.15
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing 230 $72610 $34.91
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing 190 $61730 $29.68
Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing 150 $49050 $23.58
Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing 140 $59200 $28.46
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing 130 $52540 $25.26
Plastics Product Manufacturing 130 $48540 $23.33
Scientific Research and Development Services 90 $82220 $39.53

What is the work day like

Working hours

Less than 40 hours
0%

40 hours
47%

More than 40 hours
53%

Working schedule

65%

35%

0%

Email

How often do you use email in this job?

Once a week
16%

Every day
41%

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Once a week
11%

Every day
23%

Group discussions

How often do you have group discussions in this job?

Once a week
2%

Every day
98%

Public speaking

How often does this job require you to do public speaking?

Never
63%

Once a year
21%

Once a month
16%

Once a week
0%

Every day
0%

Level of competition

How much competitive pressure is in this job?

Not competitive at all
16%

Slightly competitive
5%

Moderately competitive
42%

Highly competitive
4%

Extremely competitive
33%

What is the work environment like

Office-style environment

Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition

Never
5%

Once a year or more
19%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
75%

Warehouse-style environment

Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse

Never
38%

Once a year or more
21%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
41%

Outdoors

Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions

Never
96%

Once a year or more
1%

Once a month or more
3%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
0%

Outdoors – Under Cover

Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)

Never
98%

Once a year or more
0%

Once a month or more
1%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
0%

How to become one

Difficulty to become one

Medium
You will need previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience. Most careers in this difficulty category require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an Associate’s degree, and one or two years of on-the-job training. Similar careers include Travel Agents, Agricultural Technicians, Court Reports, and Medical Assistants.

Required level of education

What level of education do you need to perform the job?

Less than a High School Diploma
0%

High School Diploma or equivalent
40%

Post-Secondary Certificate
39%

Some College Courses
0%

Associate’s Degree or similar
21%

Bachelor’s Degree
0%

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
0%

Master’s Degree
0%

Post-Master’s Certificate
0%

First Professional Degree
0%

Doctoral Degree
0%

Post-Doctoral Training
0%

Relevant majors

Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking

A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to form, shape, bend and fold extruded metals, including the creation of new products, using hand tools and machines such as cornice brakes, forming rolls, and squaring shears.

Relevant work experience

How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?

None
1%

1 month
0%

1 to 3 months
0%

3 to 6 months
0%

6 months to 1 year
0%

1 to 2 years
18%

2 to 4 years
30%

4 to 6 years
13%

6 to 8 years
18%

8 to 10 years
0%

Over 10 years
18%

On The Job Training

How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?

None or short demonstration
0%

1 month
0%

1 to 3 months
0%

3 to 6 months
18%

6 months to 1 year
19%

1 to 2 years
21%

2 to 4 years
5%

4 to 10 years
37%

Over 10 years
0%

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

The Builder

People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

The Builder
95%

People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.


The Thinker
48%

People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.


The Artist
24%

People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.


The Helper
14%

People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.


The Leader
29%

People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.


The Organizer
48%

People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.


You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

They also like working with ideas and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.

Work Values

Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?

Achievement
48%

You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.

Working Conditions
50%

You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.

Recognition
38%

You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.

Relationships
38%

You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.

Support
67%

You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.

Independence
43%

You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.

FAQ


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