Table of Contents
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.
Become one
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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.
| Top 5 paying states | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| WA | $34 | $70,040 |
| MA | $32 | $65,900 |
| CT | $32 | $65,590 |
| SC | $31 | $63,910 |
| NY | $30 | $63,360 |
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.
| Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking |
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Model Maker, Metal and Plastic.
| PROS |
|---|
| Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work |
| Suitable for people who wants 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 likes to help and teach others |
| Salary is below average |
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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work as part of a team having responsibility for assembling an entire product or component of a product. Team assemblers can perform all tasks conducted by the team in the assembly process and rotate through all or most of them rather than being assigned to a specific task on a permanent basis. May participate in making management decisions affecting the work. Includes team leaders who work as part of the team. | Salary $34270 |
Learn more about Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
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| Is This Right For Me |
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Related career information
Metal and Plastic Model Makers job description, Metal and Plastic Model Makers salary, Metal and Plastic Model Makers information, what is the job of a Model Maker, Metal and Plastic like, pros and cons about Model Makers, Metal and Plastic, colleges and universities for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic, is Model Makers, Metal and Plastic the right career for me, careers in Production
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Additional resources
Last updated: April 28, 2020
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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.
