Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

SOC code 51-4062 · O*NET-SOC 51-4062.00 · Medium preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$58,000

a year

Hourly

$27.89

per hour

10th$42,460Median$58,00090th$82,590

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$60,610

$29.14 per hour

Middle 50%

$49,070 – $69,960

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$42,460 – $82,590

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

1,470

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $42,460; $20.42/hr
25th percentile: $49,070; $23.59/hr
Median percentile: $58,000; $27.89/hr
75th percentile: $69,960; $33.63/hr
90th percentile: $82,590; $39.71/hr

What do 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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
Repair and rework templates and patterns.
Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.
Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments.

How to qualify for this work

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does a patternmakers, metal and plastic earn?

The national median is $58,000 a year. The full range runs from $42,460 at the 10th percentile to $82,590 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a patternmakers, metal and plastic without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Critical Thinking3.1/5
Active Listening3.0/5
Speaking3.0/5
Monitoring3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Mathematics4.1/5
Design4.0/5
Engineering and Technology4.0/5
Mechanical3.9/5
Production and Processing3.9/5
English Language2.8/5
Customer and Personal Service2.7/5
Computers and Electronics2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Time Management, Complex Problem Solving.