Model Makers (Metal and Plastic)
O*NET title: Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.
Also called: Aircraft Mockup Builder, Appliances Sample Maker, Auto Manufacturing Model Maker (Automotive Manufacturing Model Maker), Clock and Watch Model Maker, CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator)
Median pay
$63,340
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$39,760 – $99,010
People employed
2,610
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
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.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 2.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 3.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 6.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 7.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 8.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Model Makers (Metal and Plastic) pay by state
Annual median pay by state (15 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What model makers (metal and plastic) do
- 01Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
- 02Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
- 03Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
- 04Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
- 05Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
- 06Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Design
- 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 vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- 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.
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 model makers (metal and plastic)
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics80% · +2%
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers80% · −15%
- Model Makers, Wood78% · −11%
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators75% · −20%
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery73% · −4%
Change into model makers (metal and plastic)
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Patternmakers, Wood85% · $49,630
- Model Makers, Wood81% · $56,550
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters80% · $46,680
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics76% · $64,520
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers75% · $68,120
Majors that lead here
- Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.