Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
.jpg)
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.
Table of contents
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.
Featured Schools
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
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
Average hourly wage
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 |
.jpg)
What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
How often do you use email in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Don’t know which career to pursue?
Take the career quiz to find careers that match your personality type.
Take The Career Quiz
