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Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic in Illinois

Considering working as a Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic in Illinois? Here’s what the data says. Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.

What do Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Make in Illinois?

For patternmakers, metal and plastic working in Illinois, wages run about $80,190 per year (or roughly $38.55/hour).Annual wages span from $76,420 at the 10th percentile to $84,470 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic	Annual	Hourly
10th percentile	$76,420	$36.74
25th percentile	$78,000	$37.50
Median (50th)	$80,190	$38.55
75th percentile	$80,420	$38.66
90th percentile	$84,470	$40.61

Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in Illinois compared to the national average — is 0.66, meaning fewer patternmakers, metal and plastic per worker than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, patternmakers, metal and plastic earn a median of $41,576 per year ($19.99/hour), above the Illinois median.

Employment Outlook

There are roughly 737,941 patternmakers, metal and plastic nationwide. In Illinois alone, approximately 40 people work in this role. That’s below the typical state, which employs around 70 patternmakers, metal and plastic.

Top States for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Employment

View the states that employ the most patternmakers, metal and plastic work.

State	Number Employed
Wisconsin	210
Pennsylvania	170
Indiana	160
Alabama	160
Michigan	140
Ohio	120
North Carolina	70
Texas	60
Washington	40
Illinois	40
Tennessee	40
Iowa	40
Minnesota	40

Highest-Paying States for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

The highest-paying states for patternmakers, metal and plastic.

State	Annual Median Salary
Illinois	$80,190
Michigan	$73,730
Minnesota	$66,120
California	$65,570
Massachusetts	$63,480
Ohio	$63,420
Iowa	$63,300
Washington	$59,740
Indiana	$53,980
Texas	$52,960

Skills

Top patternmakers, 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

Top abilities for patternmakers, metal and plastic, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Daily Tasks

Day-to-day, patternmakers, metal and plastic typically:

• Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
• Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
• Repair and rework templates and patterns.
• Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
• Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
• Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.
• Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
• Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.
• Program computerized numerical control machine tools.
• Create computer models of patterns or parts, using modeling software.
• Design and create templates, patterns, or coreboxes according to work orders, sample parts, or mockups.
• Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments.

Work Activities

• Controlling Machines and Processes
• Getting Information
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Thinking Creatively
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
• Training and Teaching Others

Tools & Technology

Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD

What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?

Related college programs include:

• Precision Metal Working

Related Careers

Careers similar to patternmakers, metal and plastic include:

• Mechanical Drafters
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
• Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
• Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Also Known As

Acoustical Tile Patternmaker, All-Around Patternmaker, Boilermaker Loftsman, Chart Writer, Computer Patternmaker, Die Cast Die Maker, Die Inspector, Die Technician, Extrusion Die Coordinator, Extrusion Die Corrector, Extrusion Die Template Maker, Fixture Builder, Foundry Patternmaker, Freelance Patternmaker, Layout 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: 51-4062.00