Skilled Trades
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.
Median salary (BLS)
$63,340
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$40k – $99k
Job outlook
No separate BLS projection for this specific role
AI exposure
Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $70,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Plan a path to Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Education
Typical entry: No degree (trade/license)
Plan my path to this →Typical progression
Junior Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Entry / Junior
$39,760
~2 yrs to advance
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Established
$63,340
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Senior
$81,175
Key skills
A typical day
- •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.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Skilled Trades
Explore all- Purdue University50% admit · $78,000 grad pay
- Ohio State University53% admit · $68,000 grad pay
- Pennsylvania State University55% admit · $70,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.