The median pay for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic is $58,000 a year ($27.89/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to fall 22.8% through 2035, with about 100 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 51-4062
- Production
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic in four numbers
- Median pay
- $58,000a year, or $27.89/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $42KTop 10% $83K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -22.8%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−22.8%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −22.8% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 1001,500 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 20251.5K
- Projected 20351.1K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 1.5K Projected 2035 1.1K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
Also advertised as: Die Cast Die Maker, Fixture Builder, Journeyman Patternmaker, Layout Technician (Layout Tech), Metal Mold Maker, Metal Patternmaker.
Pay
How much do Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic make?
Every patternmaker, metal and plastic in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$58,000
Middle half earn $49,070 to $69,960
- 10th
- $42,460
- 25th
- $49,070
- 75th
- $69,960
- 90th
- $82,590
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $42,460 |
| 25th | $49,070 |
| Median | $58,000 |
| 75th | $69,960 |
| 90th | $82,590 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $58,000
- Median hourly wage
- $27.89/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $60,610
- People employed
- 1,470
Versus all US occupations
At $58,000, Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic earn 14% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $7,020 a year.
Versus production occupations
Inside the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030, this is 21% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $82,590 or more while the bottom 10% earn $42,460, a gap of 1.9×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 29% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Ohio pays the most at $97,690, and still leads at $105,299 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Ohio | $97,690 | $105,299 | 70 |
| 2Minnesota | $74,900 | $75,947 | 60 |
| 3Massachusetts | $65,210 | $61,660 | N/A |
| 4Iowa | $63,420 | $72,264 | 90 |
| 5Alabama | $62,290 | $70,128 | 110 |
| 6Washington | $59,800 | $55,881 | 30 |
| 7Indiana | $54,740 | $58,653 | 80 |
| 8Pennsylvania | $54,150 | $55,497 | 160 |
| 9Michigan | $53,780 | $55,894 | 250 |
| 10Wisconsin | $52,150 | $55,423 | 230 |
Job outlook
Is Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -22.8% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic | −22.8% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic to change -22.8% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 300 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 100 openings are projected each year, 6.7% of the 1,500 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of metal and plastic machine workers varies by occupation (see table).
One of the most important factors influencing employment of these workers is the use of laborsaving machinery. Many firms are continuing to expand the use of technologies, such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools and robots, to improve quality and lower production costs. The use of CNC equipment requires CNC tool programmers instead of machine setters, operators, and tenders. Therefore, demand for most manual tool operators and tenders is likely to be reduced, while demand for CNC tool programmers is expected to be strong.
Getting in
How to become a Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic
Metal and plastic workers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive 1 year of on-the-job training. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmers typically need postsecondary education.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
Full BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entryThe work
What does a Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic do?
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces.
Day-to-day tasks
- Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
- Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
- Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
- Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
- Repair and rework templates and patterns.
- Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
- Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments.
- Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most metal and plastic machine workers are employed full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Because many manufacturers run their machinery for extended periods, evening and weekend work is also common.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension3.1
- Critical Thinking3.1
- Active Listening3.0
- Speaking3.0
- Monitoring3.0
- Active Learning2.6
- Mathematics2.3
- Writing2.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.1 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.1 |
| Active Listening | 3.0 |
| Speaking | 3.0 |
| Monitoring | 3.0 |
| Active Learning | 2.6 |
| Mathematics | 2.3 |
| Writing | 2.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operation and Control3.3
- Operations Monitoring3.1
- Quality Control Analysis3.1
- Time Management3.0
- Complex Problem Solving2.9
- Social Perceptiveness2.8
- Judgment and Decision Making2.8
- Coordination2.6
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operation and Control | 3.3 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.1 |
| Time Management | 3.0 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.9 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.8 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.8 |
| Coordination | 2.6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 6 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 3 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic6.2
- Conventional4.2
- Artistic3.4
- Investigative1.7
- Social1.0
- Enterprising1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic
O*NET related occupations
- Production
- Production
- Production
- Production
- Production
- Production
Molder, Shaper, and Caster, Except Metal and Plastic
$46,170median a year
Most earn $36K to $62K
+5.8%High school
More production careers
Median annual pay, with patternmakers, metal and plastic highlighted
- Power Plant Operator$102,040
- Tool and Die Maker$64,050
- Machinist$58,750
- Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic$58,000
- Welder$53,750
- Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter$51,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$50,690
- Butcher and Meat Cutter$40,140
- Baker$37,160
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 |
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic | $58,000 |
| Welder | $53,750 |
| Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter | $51,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $50,690 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic appears on
Questions
Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic: frequently asked questions
How much do Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic make?
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $58,000 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 14% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $27.89/hr. The middle half earn between $49,070 and $69,960. The top 10% earn $82,590 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training.
Is Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 22.8% over 2025–2035, a loss of 300 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 100 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic do?
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces. A core O*NET task: verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers. Employers most often ask for Computer aided design CAD software, Electronic mail software, Spreadsheet software.
Which states pay Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic the most?
The highest state medians for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic are Ohio ($97,690), Minnesota ($74,900), Massachusetts ($65,210) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic?
O*NET scores Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic highest on the Realistic, Conventional and Artistic interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.