# 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.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-4061.00
- **Summary:** 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.

## Aliases

- CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist)
- Model Builder
- Model Maker
- Molding Technician (Molding Tech)
- CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer)
- Metal Model Maker
- Model Maker Machinist
- Model Technician (Model Tech)
- Pattern Finisher
- Prototype Special Build
- Aircraft Mockup Builder
- Appliances Sample Maker

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.f |
| Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts. | Core | 4.A.3.b.1.a |
| Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.g |
| Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards. | Core | 4.A.3.b.4.b |
| Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.ad |
| Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.o |
| Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.d |
| Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.aj |
| Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.b.1.a |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Operate metal or plastic forming equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.f |
| Operate cutting equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.l |
| Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products. | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Shape metal workpieces with hammers or other small hand tools. | 4.A.3.a.2.g |
| Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing. | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references. | 4.A.3.a.2.ao |
| Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials. | 4.A.3.a.2.ad |
| Smooth metal surfaces or edges. | 4.A.3.a.2.o |
| Operate grinding equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.l |
| Record operational or production data. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Repair parts or assemblies. | 4.A.3.b.4.b |
| Assemble metal or plastic parts or products. | 4.A.3.a.2.aj |
| Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly. | 4.A.3.a.2.ao |
| Confer with others to resolve production problems or equipment malfunctions. | 4.A.4.b.1.a |
| Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures. | 4.A.3.a.2.d |
| Build production molds. | 4.A.3.a.2.aj |
| Design tools, fixtures, or other devices for production equipment. | 4.A.3.b.2.c |
| Solder parts or workpieces. | 4.A.3.a.2.ai |
| Program equipment to perform production tasks. | 4.A.3.b.1.a |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 4.34 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 4.03 |
| Near Vision | ability | 4 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 3.92 |
| Design | knowledge | 3.86 |
| Engineering and Technology | knowledge | 3.76 |
| Visualization | ability | 3.75 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.62 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.62 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.62 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.62 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.62 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.5 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3.5 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.5 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.38 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.38 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.38 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.38 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.25 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.25 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Equipment Selection | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Troubleshooting | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3 |
| Written Expression | ability | 3 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3 |
| Static Strength | ability | 3 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3 |
| Auditory Attention | ability | 3 |
| Computers and Electronics | knowledge | 2.94 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 2.88 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| PTC Creo Parametric | Specialized Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| CNC Software Mastercam | Computer aided manufacturing CAM software | no | no |
| PTC Creo Parametric | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.97 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.78 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.61 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.61 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.54 |
| Time Pressure | 4.24 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 3.99 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.9 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.73 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.48 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 3.46 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 3.46 |
| Contact With Others | 3.31 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.29 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.27 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 3.24 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.2 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.14 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 3.02 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 2.93 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 2.91 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 2.86 |
| Physical Proximity | 2.77 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 2.68 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 2.51 |
| Consequence of Error | 2.39 |
| Level of Competition | 2.38 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.33 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.27 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 2.27 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 2.18 |
| Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance | 2.03 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 1.94 |
| Conflict Situations | 1.92 |
| E-Mail | 1.9 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 1.8 |
| Telephone Conversations | 1.65 |
| Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling | 1.56 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 1.5 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 1.48 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 3
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone Three: 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.
- **Svp Range:** (6.0 to < 7.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 37.73 |
| Some College Courses | 15.48 |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 4.96 |
| Post-Master's Certificate | 0.83 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.86 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 5.63 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 5.19 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 4.58 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.03 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 2.91 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.67 |
| Artistic | career_interest_type | 2.66 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 2.33 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.19 |
| Information Technology | specific_interest_area | 2.11 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 2.07 |
| Applied Arts and Design | specific_interest_area | 2.03 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 2 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 1.96 |
| Achievement Orientation | work_style | 1.6 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-4111.00 | role-51-4111-00 | Tool and Die Makers | Primary-Short |
| 51-4192.00 | role-51-4192-00 | Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-4041.00 | role-51-4041-00 | Machinists | Primary-Short |
| 51-2031.00 | role-51-2031-00 | Engine and Other Machine Assemblers | Primary-Short |
| 51-4062.00 | role-51-4062-00 | Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-7031.00 | role-51-7031-00 | Model Makers, Wood | Primary-Long |
| 51-2041.00 | role-51-2041-00 | Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters | Primary-Long |
| 51-4035.00 | role-51-4035-00 | Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-2022.00 | role-51-2022-00 | Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers | Primary-Long |
| 51-9195.00 | role-51-9195-00 | Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-2011.00 | role-51-2011-00 | Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers | Supplemental |
| 51-2023.00 | role-51-2023-00 | Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Advanced Manufacturing | advanced-manufacturing |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Precision Production | precision-production |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 62700
- **Mean Wage:** 65840
- **Pct10Wage:** 38430
- **Pct25Wage:** 48860
- **Pct75Wage:** 79470
- **Pct90Wage:** 95780
- **Employment:** 3230
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 2110 | 54840 | 7.89 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 840 | 76060 | 3.72 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 350 | 94750 | 14.45 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 110 | 82050 | 0.87 |
| 55 | 55 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | Sector | 70 | 74530 |  |
| 339910 | 339910 | Jewelry and Silverware Manufacturing | National industry | 50 | 33330 |  |
| 332710 | 332710 | Machine Shops | National industry |  | 60650 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 350 | 14.45 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 2110 | 7.89 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 840 | 3.72 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 110 | 0.87 |
- **Count:** 7

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.93 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.7421977 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.4422598 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -0.8677119 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 23
- **Percentile:** 21
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 27 | felten_aioe |
| 24 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 17 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.7421977 | 27 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.1935483870967742 | 24 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.06835238123674443 | 17 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.93
- **Percentile:** 84
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.12903225806451613
- **Beta:** 0.16129032258064516
- **Gamma:** 0.1935483870967742

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -18.2
- **Growth Percentile:** 1
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 0.3
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 4
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 3.2
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 2.6

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 16
- **Skills:** 34
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 5
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** ae308b1ef3219954