---

Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic in Alabama

Considering working as a Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic in Alabama? Here’s what the data says. Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.

What do Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic Make in Alabama?

For layout workers, metal and plastic working in Alabama, the median annual wage is $48,620 per year (or roughly $23.38/hour).Earnings range from $32,450 at the 10th percentile to $60,320 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic	Annual	Hourly
10th percentile	$32,450	$15.60
25th percentile	$37,180	$17.87
Median (50th)	$48,620	$23.38
75th percentile	$57,810	$27.80
90th percentile	$60,320	$29.00

The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Alabama compared to the national average — is 1.89, meaning that layout workers, metal and plastic are more concentrated here than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, layout workers, metal and plastic earn a median of $53,306 per year ($25.63/hour), below the Alabama median.

Employment Outlook

National employment for 560,418 layout workers, metal and plastic across the United States. In Alabama alone, around 140 people work in this role. That’s below the typical state, which employs around 160 layout workers, metal and plastic.

Top States for Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic Employment

These states have the highest employment of layout workers, metal and plastic work.

State	Number Employed
Virginia	790
Kansas	590
Washington	490
California	310
Michigan	290
Florida	170
Texas	170
Georgia	160
Wisconsin	150
Alabama	140
Massachusetts	110
Pennsylvania	100
South Carolina	80
Tennessee	80
New York	70
Indiana	50

Highest-Paying States for Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic

The highest-paying states for layout workers, metal and plastic.

State	Annual Median Salary
Maryland	$99,750
Kansas	$76,730
Washington	$75,750
Virginia	$72,780
California	$71,780
Florida	$62,880
Massachusetts	$62,870
Indiana	$61,270
New York	$60,740
Pennsylvania	$59,450

Skills

The most important layout workers, metal and plastic skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Abilities

The abilities that matter most for layout workers, metal and plastic, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Daily Tasks

Day-to-day, layout workers, metal and plastic typically:

• Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills.
• Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules.
• Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled.
• Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators.
• Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals.
• Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames.
• Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly.
• Lift and position workpieces in relation to surface plates, manually or with hoists, and using parallel blocks and angle plates.
• Design and prepare templates of wood, paper, or metal.
• Install doors, hatches, brackets, and clips.
• Brace parts in position within hulls or ships for riveting or welding.
• Inspect machined parts to verify conformance to specifications.

Work Activities

• Getting Information
• Handling and Moving Objects
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Controlling Machines and Processes
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Performing General Physical Activities
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Processing Information
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD

What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?

Several college majors map to this occupation:

• Precision Metal Working

Related Careers

Related occupations to layout workers, metal and plastic include:

• Mechanical Drafters
• Boilermakers
• Carpenters
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers
• Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

Also Known As

Aircraft Lay Out Worker, Bellmaker, Development Mechanic, Dimensional Inspector, Duplicator, Hangersmith, Lay-Out Worker, Layout Fabricator, Layout Fitter, Layout Inspector, Layout Man, Layout Mechanic, Layout Technician (Layout Tech), Layout Worker, Location and Measurement Technician.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
• O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
• BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-4192.00