Find Trade Colleges

Study Area & Zipcode

Metal and Plastic Patternmaker

Find Schools Near

What is a Metal and Plastic Patternmaker?

Example of Metal & Plastic Patternmaker Job Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.

List of Metal & Plastic Patternmaker Job Duties

  • Design and create templates, patterns, or coreboxes according to work orders, sample parts, or mockups.
  • Repair and rework templates and patterns.
  • Create computer models of patterns or parts, using modeling software.
  • Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
  • Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
  • Apply plastic-impregnated fabrics or coats of sealing wax or lacquer to patterns used to produce plastic.

Metal & Plastic Patternmaker Skills

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.

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.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Other Metal & Plastic Patternmaker Job Titles

  • Sample Patternmaker
  • All-Around Patternmaker
  • Pattern Mechanic
  • Pattern Chart Writer
  • Developer

Metal & Plastic Patternmaker Employment Estimates

In the United States, there were 3,400 jobs for Metal and Plastic Patternmaker in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Metal and Plastic Patternmaker. There will be an estimated 300 positions for Metal & Plastic Patternmaker per year.

undefined

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

The average yearly salary of a Metal & Plastic Patternmaker ranges between $28,890 and $67,250.

undefined

Metal and Plastic Patternmakers who work in Kansas, Oregon, or Indiana, make the highest salaries.

How much do Metal and Plastic Patternmakers make in each U.S. state?

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

Tools & Technologies Used by Metal and Plastic Patternmakers

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Metal and Plastic Patternmakers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Delcam PowerMILL
  • Mastercam

Becoming a Metal & Plastic Patternmaker

What kind of Metal and Plastic Patternmaker requirements are there?

undefined

How many years of work experience do I need?

undefined

Where Metal and Plastic Patternmakers Are Employed

undefined

The table below shows the approximate number of Metal and Plastic Patternmakers employed by various industries.

undefined

Those thinking about becoming a Metal and Plastic Patternmaker might also be interested in the following careers:

Are you already one of the many Metal and Plastic Patternmaker in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.