Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
SOC Code: 51-4061
Model Makers, Metal and Plastics study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences. This career typically requires medium preparation (1-2 years). With an AI-proof score of 79.5/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control.
AI-Proof Score: 79.5 — High
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Median Salary
$62,700
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Job Growth
-18.2%
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Training Time
Medium preparation (1-2 years)
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Job Zone
Zone 3 / 5
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Training Cost
~$15,000
Key Skills
- •Operation and Control
- •Operations Monitoring
- •Quality Control Analysis
- •Troubleshooting
- •Critical Thinking
- •Monitoring
Common 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.
Training & Resources
Why AI-Proof?
- ✅Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
- ✅Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
- ✅Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
- ✅Social and regulatory barriers to full automation