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Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Production · SOC 51-4061
0.0% AI Exposure — Low
$63,340
Median Annual Salary
Average
O*NET Outlook
500
Proj. Annual Openings
2,610
Employment (OEWS 2025)
100/100
AI Resiliency Score
AI exposure from the Anthropic Economic Index (2025); salary from BLS; skills from O*NET. See /sources.
AI Exposure Analysis
AI Exposure0.0%
AI Resiliency100/100
Exposure BandLow
Sector Avg. Exposure0.8%
Top Skills
1.Operation and Control
2.Operations Monitoring
3.Monitoring
4.Quality Control Analysis
5.Critical Thinking
O*NET occupation profile
What this work involves
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.
Common titles: CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer), Metal Model Maker, Model Builder, Model Maker, Model Maker Machinist
Representative Tasks
- •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.
Detailed Work Activities
- •Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
- •Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
- •Operate cutting equipment.
- •Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
- •Program equipment to perform production tasks.
Tools & Technologies
Microsoft Excel · hotMicrosoft Office software · hotMicrosoft Word · hotCNC Software MastercamPTC Creo Parametric
Employment Projections & AI Exposure
15
Occupations Shown
0.5%
Avg AI Exposure
1
Bright Outlook
Sector Comparison
| Metric | This Career | Sector Average |
|---|---|---|
| AI Exposure | 0.0% | 0.8% |
| Outlook | Average | 4% Bright |
| Median Salary | $63,340 | N/A |
| AI Resiliency | 100/100 | N/A |