Layout Workers
O*NET title: Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
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.
Also called: Aircraft Lay Out Worker, Bellmaker, Development Mechanic, Dimensional Inspector, Duplicator, Hangersmith
Median pay
$63,870
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$39,980 – $93,860
People employed
5,970
Holland code
RCA
Realistic · Conventional · Artistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 2.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 3.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 4.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 5.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 6.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Long hours on your feet
Layout Workers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (19 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What layout workers do
- 01Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills.
- 02Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules.
- 03Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled.
- 04Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators.
- 05Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals.
- 06Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames.
Skills that matter most
- Mathematics
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Design
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Engineering and Technology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from layout workers
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters85% · −20%
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers85% · −2%
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers83% · +2%
- Carpenters82% · −5%
- Sheet Metal Workers81% · −3%
Change into layout workers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters91% · $51,330
- Model Makers, Wood90% · $56,550
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers87% · $58,970
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters86% · $46,680
- Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing86% · $46,170
Majors that lead here
- Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
- Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.