Patternmakers, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4062Also known as:
Acoustical Tile Patternmaker, All-Around Patternmaker, Boilermaker Loftsman, Chart Writer, Computer Patternmaker
Median Annual Salary
$54,540
-24.4% growth (2024-2034)
100
Openings/Year
2K
Current Jobs
What Patternmakers, metal and plastic Do
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
💰 Salary
$54,540
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-24.4%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
100
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
1,600
Projected Employment (2034)
1,200
Related Careers
Model makers, metal and plastic
$62,700 •
-18.2% growth
Tool and die makers
$63,180 •
-10.8% growth
Layout workers, metal and plastic
$61,870 •
-5.4% growth
Fabric and apparel patternmakers
$67,670 •
-10.2% growth
Patternmakers, wood
$52,520 •
-5.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Quality Control Analysis
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Some College
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Patternmakers, metal and plastic
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a patternmakers, metal and plastic:
Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking
386 degrees awarded •
18 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Patternmakers, metal and plastic
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become patternmakers, metal and plastic.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee, WI | 32 | C+ |
| 2 | Foothill College | Los Altos Hills, CA | 5 | C+ |
| 3 | Montana State University Billings | Billings, MT | 1 | C+ |
| 4 | Hillsborough Community College | Tampa, FL | 1 | C+ |
| 5 | Columbia Basin College | Pasco, WA | 1 | C+ |
| 6 | Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, IN | 169 | C |
| 7 | Community College of Allegheny County | Pittsburgh, PA | 46 | C |
| 8 | American River College | Sacramento, CA | 36 | C |
| 9 | Bates Technical College | Tacoma, WA | 21 | C |
| 10 | Honolulu Community College | Honolulu, HI | 14 | C |
| 11 | Saint Paul College | Saint Paul, MN | 10 | C |
| 12 | Palomar College | San Marcos, CA | 10 | C |
| 13 | Southwestern Illinois College | Belleville, IL | 9 | C |
| 14 | Modesto Junior College | Modesto, CA | 8 | C |
| 15 | Long Beach City College | Long Beach, CA | 8 | C |
| 16 | Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College | Miami Lakes, FL | 8 | C |
| 17 | Bakersfield College | Bakersfield, CA | 6 | C |
| 18 | College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas, NV | 1 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do patternmakers, metal and plastic make?
The median annual salary for patternmakers, metal and plastic is $54,540.
What education do patternmakers, metal and plastic need?
Most patternmakers, metal and plastic positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking.
Is becoming a patternmakers, metal and plastic a good career choice?
Patternmakers, metal and plastic is projected to see -24.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for patternmakers, metal and plastic?
Top colleges for aspiring patternmakers, metal and plastic include
Milwaukee Area Technical College, Foothill College, Montana State University Billings, Hillsborough Community College, Columbia Basin College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to patternmakers, metal and plastic?
Patternmakers, metal and plastic may also be 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, Loftsman, Metal Bench Patternmaker, Metal Pattern Maker, Metal Patternmaker, Metal Products Patternmaker.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.