Layout workers, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4192Also known as:
Aircraft Lay Out Worker, Bellmaker, Development Mechanic, Dimensional Inspector, Duplicator
Median Annual Salary
$61,870
-5.4% growth (2024-2034)
500
Openings/Year
6K
Current Jobs
What Layout workers, metal and plastic Do
Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.
💰 Salary
$61,870
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-5.4%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
500
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
5,700
Projected Employment (2034)
5,400
Related Careers
Sheet metal workers
$60,850 •
+2.4% growth
Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
$61,680 •
-14.5% growth
Structural metal fabricators and fitters
$49,900 •
-16.3% growth
Model makers, metal and plastic
$62,700 •
-18.2% growth
Patternmakers, metal and plastic
$54,540 •
-24.4% growth
Top Skills Required
Mathematics
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Complex Problem Solving
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills.
- Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules.
- Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled.
- Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators.
- Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals.
- Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames.
- Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly.
- Lift and position workpieces in relation to surface plates, manually or with hoists, and using parallel blocks and angle plates.
- Design and prepare templates of wood, paper, or metal.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Layout workers, metal and plastic
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a layout workers, metal and plastic:
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
3,539 degrees awarded •
248 colleges offer this program
Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
1,634 degrees awarded •
97 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Layout workers, metal and plastic
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become layout workers, metal and plastic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do layout workers, metal and plastic make?
The median annual salary for layout workers, metal and plastic is $61,870.
What education do layout workers, metal and plastic need?
Most layout workers, metal and plastic positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Machine Tool Technology/Machinist, Machine Shop Technology/Assistant.
Is becoming a layout workers, metal and plastic a good career choice?
Layout workers, metal and plastic is projected to see -5.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for layout workers, metal and plastic?
Top colleges for aspiring layout workers, metal and plastic include
State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Williamson College of the Trades, Michigan Career and Technical Institute, Northeast Technology Center.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to layout workers, metal and plastic?
Layout workers, metal and plastic may also be known as: Aircraft Lay Out Worker, Bellmaker, Development Mechanic, Dimensional Inspector, Duplicator, Hangersmith, Lay-Out Worker, Layout Fabricator, Layout Fitter, Layout Inspector, Layout Man, Layout Mechanic, Layout Technician (Layout Tech), Layout Worker, Location and Measurement Technician, Machine Lay Out Worker, Marine Fitter, Marine Shipfitter, Pattern Layout Worker, Pattern Setter.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.