Occupation salary profile

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

SOC 51-4062 BLS OEWS May 2025

Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.

National median · BLS
$58,000
▲ +6.34% YoY
H-1B sponsor median
—
Too few H-1B filings
Average salary · BLS
$60,610
Mean annual wage
U.S. employment
1,470
Jobs (BLS)
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Pay range for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

Annual base pay at each percentile. BLS covers all U.S. workers in this occupation.

Percentile All U.S. workers (BLS)
10th — entry pay$42,460
25th$49,070
Median (50th)$58,000
75th$69,960
90th — top pay$82,590

Hourly ⇄ annual pay

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Based on hrs/week × weeks/year = 2,080 hrs
Projections 2025–2035

Job outlook for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

BLS projects employment of patternmakers, metal and plastic to decline 22.8% from 2025 to 2035, while employment across all occupations grows 3.5%. About 100 openings are projected each year, on average, from new jobs and from replacing workers who retire or move to other occupations.

Jobs 2025 → 2035
1,500 → 1,100
-300 jobs
Projected change
-22.8%
All occupations: +3.5%
Openings per year
100
Average, 2025–2035
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
No related experience required
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Preparation needed (O*NET Job Zone 3)
Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Fastest-declining jobs → Best-paying jobs that need a high school diploma →

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–2035 · BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook →

Skills & tools

Skills needed for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

How important each skill and knowledge area is for this job, rated by O*NET on a 1–5 scale from surveys of workers and occupational analysts.

Top skills
  • Operation and Control3.3
  • Critical Thinking3.1
  • Operations Monitoring3.1
  • Quality Control Analysis3.1
  • Reading Comprehension3.1
  • Active Listening3.0
  • Monitoring3.0
  • Speaking3.0
  • Time Management3.0
  • Complex Problem Solving2.9
Top knowledge areas
  • Mathematics4.1
  • Design4.0
  • Engineering and Technology4.0
  • Mechanical3.9
  • Production and Processing3.9
  • English Language2.8
  • Customer and Personal Service2.7
  • Computers and Electronics2.7
Software and technology used
Autodesk AutoCADMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Outlook3D Systems Geomagic Design XDelcam PowerMILLMastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software

Highlighted = in demand: frequently listed in employer job postings for this occupation (O*NET).

Source: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

About the job

What patternmakers, metal and plastic do

  • 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.
Also called
Die Cast Die MakerJourneyman PatternmakerLayout Technician (Layout Tech)Metal PatternmakerFixture BuilderMetal Mold MakerModel MakerMold MakerPattern Repair PersonWax Molder
More job titles for this occupation (16)
Acoustical Tile PatternmakerAll-Around PatternmakerComputer PatternmakerDie TechnicianExtrusion Die Template MakerFoundry PatternmakerFreelance PatternmakerLoftsmanMetal Bench PatternmakerMetal Products PatternmakerPattern FitterPattern MechanicPattern ScratcherPattern WorkerPlaster PatternmakerStonework Patternmaker

Source: O*NET 31.0 (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0). These are general job titles, not H-1B filings; for titles employers actually filed, see “Job titles” above.