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What Does it Take to Be a Metal and Plastic Model Maker?
Metal & Plastic Model Maker Job Description 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.
List of Metal & Plastic Model Maker Job Duties
- Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
- Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
- Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.
- Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
- Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacture (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.
- Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines.
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Metal & Plastic Model Maker Required Skills
Metal and Plastic Model Makers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Other Metal & Plastic Model Maker Job Titles
- Engineering Model Maker
- Model Maker
- Mold Tooling Technician
- Process Mold Technician
- Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator)
Job Outlook for Metal and Plastic Model Makers
There were about 6,300 jobs for Metal and Plastic Model Maker in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Metal and Plastic Model Maker. There will be an estimated 600 positions for Metal & Plastic Model Maker per year.
The states with the most job growth for Metal & Plastic Model Maker are Utah, Arizona, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Oregon, Kentucky, or Colorado. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Metal and Plastic Model Makers Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Metal & Plastic Model Maker ranges between $31,410 and $84,250.
Metal and Plastic Model Makers who work in Washington, Massachusetts, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.
How much do Metal and Plastic Model Makers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $50,800 |
| California | $58,710 |
| Colorado | $62,240 |
| Connecticut | $65,590 |
| Florida | $55,720 |
| Illinois | $62,050 |
| Indiana | $46,360 |
| Iowa | $47,210 |
| Kentucky | $55,630 |
| Massachusetts | $65,900 |
| Michigan | $61,900 |
| Minnesota | $39,330 |
| Missouri | $60,370 |
| New Jersey | $57,260 |
| New York | $63,360 |
| North Carolina | $38,980 |
| Ohio | $52,400 |
| Oklahoma | $39,920 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,580 |
| South Carolina | $63,910 |
| Tennessee | $50,150 |
| Texas | $57,660 |
| Utah | $44,810 |
| Virginia | $52,290 |
| Washington | $70,040 |
| Wisconsin | $54,180 |
What Tools do Metal and Plastic Model Makers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Metal and Plastic Model Makers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- CNC Software Mastercam
Becoming a Metal & Plastic Model Maker
Individuals working as a Metal and Plastic Model Maker have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Metal & Plastic Model Maker?
Where Metal and Plastic Model Makers Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Metal and Plastic Model Makers employed by various industries.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Metal and Plastic Model Maker might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Metal and Plastic Model Maker sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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