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Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Production · SOC 51-4062
0.0% AI Exposure — Low
$58,000
Median Annual Salary
Average
O*NET Outlook
200
Proj. Annual Openings
1,470
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.Operations Monitoring
2.Operation and Control
3.Quality Control Analysis
4.Reading Comprehension
5.Active Listening
O*NET occupation profile
What this work involves
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
Common titles: Die Cast Die Maker, Fixture Builder, Layout Technician, Metal Pattern Maker, Pattern Maker, Pattern Maker Programmer
Representative Tasks
- •Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
- •Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
- •Repair and rework templates and patterns.
- •Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
- •Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
Detailed Work Activities
- •Program equipment to perform production tasks.
- •Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
- •Operate grinding equipment.
- •Design templates or patterns.
- •Construct patterns, templates, or other work aids.
Tools & Technologies
Autodesk AutoCAD · hotMicrosoft Excel · hotMicrosoft Outlook · hot3D Systems Geomagic Design XDelcam PowerMILLMastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
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 | $58,000 | N/A |
| AI Resiliency | 100/100 | N/A |