Searching

Career Exploration

  1. Home

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

Also called: Metal Pattern Maker, Pattern Maker, Patternmaker, Wax Molder

What they do:

Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • design

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Cooperation
  • Independence
  • Integrity

Computer aided design CAD software

  • 3D Systems Geomagic Design X
  • Autodesk AutoCAD

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  • Delcam PowerMILL
  • Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $54,970

Education

Some college or high school diploma/GED is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Manufacturing industry.