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Life As a Metal and Plastic Patternmaker
Metal & Plastic Patternmaker Example Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
A Day in the Life of a Metal & Plastic Patternmaker
- Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.
- Create computer models of patterns or parts, using modeling software.
- Paint or lacquer patterns.
- Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
- Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
- Select pattern materials such as wood, resin, and fiberglass.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Metal & Plastic Patternmaker?
When polled, Metal and Plastic Patternmakers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Other Metal & Plastic Patternmaker Job Titles
- Plaster Patternmaker
- Extrusion Die Repair Manager
- Boilermaker Loftsman
- Pattern Checker
- Pattern Maker Programmer
Metal & Plastic Patternmaker Job Outlook
There were about 3,400 jobs for Metal and Plastic Patternmaker in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Metal and Plastic Patternmaker. The BLS estimates 300 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Metal & Plastic Patternmaker are Florida, Nebraska, and Oregon. Watch out if you plan on working in Minnesota, North Carolina, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Metal & Plastic Patternmaker Average Salary
Metal and Plastic Patternmakers make between $28,890 and $67,250 a year.
Metal and Plastic Patternmakers who work in Kansas, Oregon, or Indiana, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Metal and Plastic Patternmakers in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $42,390 |
| California | $46,870 |
| Colorado | $35,030 |
| Florida | $43,260 |
| Georgia | $44,880 |
| Illinois | $52,860 |
| Indiana | $50,250 |
| Iowa | $53,740 |
| Kansas | $59,450 |
| Michigan | $48,580 |
| Minnesota | $47,830 |
| New York | $49,640 |
| North Carolina | $35,380 |
| Ohio | $45,470 |
| Oregon | $63,180 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,430 |
| South Carolina | $47,620 |
| Tennessee | $50,600 |
| Texas | $41,190 |
| Wisconsin | $47,070 |
What Tools & Technology do Metal and Plastic Patternmakers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Metal and Plastic Patternmakers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Delcam PowerMILL
- Mastercam
How to Become a Metal & Plastic Patternmaker
Learn what Metal and Plastic Patternmaker education requirements there are.
What work experience do I need to become a Metal & Plastic Patternmaker?
Who Employs Metal and Plastic Patternmakers?
The table below shows the approximate number of Metal and Plastic Patternmakers employed by various industries.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Metal and Plastic Patternmaker may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a Metal and Plastic Patternmaker 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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