Occupation · SOC 51-4061
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 wage
$62,700
$38,430–$95,780
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
3,230
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
39 mapped
Core skills
Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisMonitoringTroubleshootingCritical ThinkingTime ManagementSpeakingJudgment and Decision MakingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionEquipment SelectionCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningWritingRepairingSocial PerceptivenessOperations AnalysisMathematicsEquipment MaintenanceLearning StrategiesInstructingTechnology DesignManagement of Personnel ResourcesSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisPersuasionService OrientationNegotiationManagement of Material ResourcesScienceProgrammingManagement of Financial ResourcesInstallation
Knowledge areas
DesignMathematicsEngineering and TechnologyMechanicalProduction and ProcessingComputers and ElectronicsPhysicsAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesAdministrativeBuilding and ConstructionChemistryEconomics and AccountingPublic Safety and SecurityTransportationTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaSales and MarketingFood ProductionPhilosophy and TheologyLaw and GovernmentPsychologyGeographyTherapy and CounselingSociology and AnthropologyHistory and ArcheologyBiologyFine ArtsForeign LanguageMedicine and Dentistry
Technology & tools
CNC Software MastercamMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordPTC Creo Parametric
Representative tasks
Getting InformationControlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeHandling and Moving ObjectsWorking with ComputersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsTraining and Teaching OthersProcessing InformationDocumenting/Recording InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCoaching and Developing OthersAnalyzing Data or InformationPerforming Administrative ActivitiesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesSelling or Influencing OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationStaffing Organizational Units
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Blueprints and technical sketches — read and interpret under direct supervision to identify basic material dimensions and part geometry in a model-making shop.Hand tools such as files, mallets, and snips — select and use following step-by-step instruction to cut and shape metal or plastic stock on a supervised production floor.Lathes and drill presses — operate under close guidance to perform single-step machining tasks on prototype blanks in a vocational or entry-level shop setting.Precision measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers — apply under supervision to verify basic dimensional tolerances on finished model parts.Holes for fasteners — drill and countersink in pre-marked assemblies using power tools under direct technician oversight in a fabrication environment.Material dimensions and operation sequences — identify from drawings with guidance to prepare work orders before beginning a model fabrication task.CNC machine interfaces — navigate and load pre-written programs under trainer direction to produce simple model components on a shop floor.Grinding and sanding procedures — follow prescribed steps to bring metal or plastic parts to specified surface finish under supervision in a finishing area.Safety protocols and personal protective equipment — apply consistently while operating machinery in compliance with shop safety standards.Quality defects and dimensional nonconformances — recognize and report to a senior model maker during routine inspection of fabricated prototype parts.
developing
Blueprints, sketches, and 3-D drawings — analyze independently to determine material stock sizes, tooling requirements, and machining sequences for multi-step prototype jobs.Lathes, bandsaws, and punch presses — set up and operate with reduced oversight to fabricate metal and plastic model components to drawing specifications in a production shop.CNC programs for standard part geometries — write and edit using CAM software to machine model parts efficiently on a shop CNC mill or lathe.Precision measuring instruments and circuit testers — apply routinely to inspect finished model parts and assemblies against dimensional and functional specifications.Metal stock — cut, shape, and form using power saws, power brakes, and shears to produce prototype components within specified tolerances on a production floor.Rework operations on out-of-tolerance components — perform using files, grinders, and hand tools to bring model parts into conformance with engineering requirements.Hole patterns and reamed bores — produce in multi-part assemblies using layout tools and power drilling equipment to achieve correct fit for fasteners and pins.Equipment selection decisions — make independently by matching cutting tool type and machine capability to material properties and part complexity for routine prototype tasks.Spreadsheet and office suite software — use to document material usage, machining parameters, and inspection results for ongoing prototype projects.Machining anomalies and tool wear — monitor during production runs and make corrective adjustments to feeds, speeds, or tooling to maintain part quality.
proficient
Complex blueprints and engineering drawings — interpret autonomously across full project scope to plan complete fabrication sequences for multi-component metal and plastic models.Full machine shop equipment including lathes, milling machines, and bandsaws — set up, operate, and troubleshoot across diverse prototype projects without supervisory oversight.CNC toolpaths and machining strategies — develop using advanced CAM software features to optimize cycle time and surface quality for intricate prototype model parts.Comprehensive dimensional and functional inspection — conduct using precision instruments, gauges, and circuit testers to validate prototype assemblies against engineering specifications.Non-routine fabrication challenges such as exotic alloys or complex geometries — resolve by applying mechanical knowledge, deductive reasoning, and creative tool selection in a model-making environment.Rework and design-deviation analysis — lead for failed or nonconforming model parts, determining root cause and implementing corrective machining strategies to restore conformance.CAD software models and engineering datasets — reference and cross-check against physical prototypes to ensure dimensional fidelity throughout the fabrication and finishing process.Time management across concurrent prototype jobs — apply to schedule machining operations, material procurement, and inspection milestones to meet engineering program deadlines.Finishing operations including precision grinding, filing, and surface treatment — execute to exacting tolerances on final prototype assemblies delivered to engineering review teams.Judgment on material substitutions and process deviations — exercise independently when specified stock or tooling is unavailable, documenting decisions in accordance with quality standards.
advanced
Shop-wide fabrication standards and best practices — establish and document to guide model-making operations and ensure consistent prototype quality across all projects and personnel.Junior and mid-level model makers — mentor and coach in blueprint interpretation, machine setup, and precision measurement within a structured apprenticeship or on-the-job training program.CNC programming workflows and CAM technology adoption — lead by evaluating new software tools and integrating them into shop operations to advance throughput and part complexity capability.Quality control systems for prototype model fabrication — design and implement, defining inspection criteria, measurement plans, and nonconformance disposition processes at an organizational level.Cross-functional collaboration with design engineers and product teams — facilitate by translating complex engineering requirements into actionable fabrication plans for high-stakes prototype programs.Capital equipment selection and machine procurement decisions — drive by assessing production needs, evaluating vendor capabilities, and specifying machine requirements for model-making operations.Continuous improvement initiatives targeting scrap reduction and cycle time — lead using data from machining logs and inspection records to optimize processes across the model shop.Safety culture and compliance programs — champion by developing procedures, conducting audits, and ensuring all shop personnel adhere to OSHA and facility safety requirements.Strategic workload planning and resource allocation — direct across multiple concurrent prototype programs, balancing personnel skills, machine capacity, and customer delivery commitments.Organizational knowledge transfer and technical documentation — oversee by ensuring that machining parameters, tooling libraries, and process recipes are systematically captured for institutional continuity.
Also known as
45 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Aircraft Mockup BuilderAppliances Sample MakerAuto Manufacturing Model Maker (Automotive Manufacturing Model Maker)Clock and Watch Model MakerCNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist)CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator)CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer)DioramistDisplay MakerEngineering Model MakerFabricatorFirearms Model MakerFluorescent Lighting Model MakerForm BuilderInjection Mold Technician (Injection Mold Tech)Injection Mold Tooling Technician (Injection Mold Tooling Tech)Jig and Fixture BuilderMandrel MakerMetal Mockup MakerMetal Model BuilderMetal Model MakerMockup BuilderMockup MakerModel BuilderModel MakerModel Maker MachinistModel Technician (Model Tech)ModelerMold Tooling Technician (Mold Tooling Tech)Molding Technician (Molding Tech)Pattern FinisherPlastic Jig and Fixture BuilderPlastic ModelerProcess Mold Technician (Process Mold Tech)Product BuilderPrototype FabricatorPrototype Model MakerPrototype Special BuildPrototyperScale Model Maker