Jobs / Physical work / 51-4061.00

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.

US jobs
2,610
Median wage
$63,340 a year
Job family
Physical work

Can agents do the work of model makers, metal and plastic?

We read the evidence at the level of the job family, Physical work:

  • Task levelUnexploredNo benchmark in our collection covers this work yet.
  • Project levelUnexploredNo benchmark in our collection covers this work yet.

Unexplored territory

No benchmark in this atlas covers this work yet.

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
  • Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
  • Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
  • Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
  • Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
  • Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
  • Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
  • Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
  • Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
  • Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
  • Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.
  • Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.
Other job titles for this occupation (45)

CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) · CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer) · Metal Model Maker · Model Builder · Model Maker · Model Maker Machinist · Model Technician (Model Tech) · Molding Technician (Molding Tech) · Pattern Finisher · Prototype Special Build · Aircraft Mockup Builder · Appliances Sample Maker · Auto Manufacturing Model Maker (Automotive Manufacturing Model Maker) · Clock and Watch Model Maker · CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator) · Dioramist · Display Maker · Engineering Model Maker · Fabricator · Firearms Model Maker · Fluorescent Lighting Model Maker · Form Builder · Injection Mold Technician (Injection Mold Tech) · Injection Mold Tooling Technician (Injection Mold Tooling Tech) · Jig and Fixture Builder · Mandrel Maker · Metal Mockup Maker · Metal Model Builder · Mockup Builder · Mockup Maker · Modeler · Mold Tooling Technician (Mold Tooling Tech) · Plastic Jig and Fixture Builder · Plastic Modeler · Process Mold Technician (Process Mold Tech) · Product Builder · Prototype Fabricator · Prototype Model Maker · Prototyper · Scale Model Maker · Template Maker · Tool Builder · Tool Maker · Tooling Technician (Tooling Tech) · Welding Prototype Operator