Job description

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.

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Salary

Metal and Plastic Model Makers with little to no experience tend to make between $31410 and $40920 while the more experienced ones can earn over $71350 per year.

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Model Maker, Metal and Plastic is to move to a higher paying state like WA. Right now, the highest paying states for Metal and Plastic Model Makers are WA, MA, CT, SC and NY.

However, a higher pay at WA doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at WA might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Model Maker, Metal and Plastic is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.

Requirements

We asked other Metal and Plastic Model Makers what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a High School Diploma followed by a Post-Secondary Certificate.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Model Maker, Metal and Plastic.

What is the job like

70% of Metal and Plastic Model Makers said they were satisfied with their job and 31% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.

Is this right for me

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends 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.

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