Life As a Metal and Plastic Model Maker
Position 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.
Daily Life Of a Metal & Plastic Model Maker
- Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
- Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
- Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
- Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.
- Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
- Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components.
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What Every Metal & Plastic Model Maker Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Metal and Plastic Model Makers say are important on the job.
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.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Metal & Plastic Model Maker Jobs
- Firearms Model Maker
- Product Builder
- Scale Model Maker
- Display Maker
- Appliances Sample Maker
Are There Job Opportunities for Metal and Plastic Model Makers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 6,300 jobs in the United States for Metal and Plastic Model Maker. 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?
Metal and Plastic Model Makers make between $31,410 and $84,250 a year.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Metal and Plastic Model Makers
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
How to Become a Metal & Plastic Model Maker
Education needed to be a Metal and Plastic Model Maker:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Metal & Plastic Model Maker?
Where Metal and Plastic Model Makers Work
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:
Those who work as a Metal and Plastic Model Maker sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
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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