Salary Range
Low (10th %)$36,280
Median$49,670
High (90th %)$77,230
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Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
The occupation "Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic" holds an automation risk of 46.1%, which is slightly lower than its base risk of 46.7%. This suggests that while nearly half of the job tasks are susceptible to automation, a significant portion requires human intervention and skills that current technologies find challenging to replicate. Automation risk assessments for this role consider the extent to which machines can replicate hand-operated processes, decision-making, and manual dexterity. The overall risk reflects advancements in machine learning, robotics, and computer-controlled manufacturing, which are making certain tasks easier to routinize. However, complexities that arise from custom work and the need for creative solutions temper the potential for full automation. The most automatable tasks for patternmakers revolve around precision measurement, machine operation, and repair. Specifically, verifying pattern conformance using measuring tools like calipers, scales, and micrometers is a straightforward, repetitive process well-suited for automation. Similarly, operating machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, and drill presses to shape metal and plastic can be managed efficiently by CNC machines and automated systems. Repairing and reworking templates and patterns also consists of tasks that can be standardized and mechanized, with machines performing adjustments based on digital models or programmed instructions. These aspects of the occupation are already being transformed by technological innovation, resulting in increased efficiency and consistency. On the other hand, certain tasks performed by patternmakers are more resistant to automation, largely due to their reliance on skill, material selection, and artistic judgment. Applying plastic-impregnated fabrics or sealants like wax and lacquer to patterns demands a nuanced understanding of materials and manual dexterity that machines currently lack. Selecting the proper materials—such as wood, resin, or fiberglass—requires contextual judgment and knowledge of project-specific needs, which is difficult to encode algorithmically. Artistic and aesthetic skills are also key when painting or lacquering patterns, a task where individuality and visual assessment are crucial. These resistant tasks are closely related to bottleneck skills like originality, which, with levels of 2.6% and 2.5%, indicate that a small but critical proportion of the job involves creative input and innovative problem-solving that continue to elude automation.
Filter by Automatable Status
Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
Partially Automatable
Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
Partially Automatable
Repair and rework templates and patterns.
Partially Automatable
Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
Non-Automatable
Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
Partially Automatable
Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.
Partially Automatable
Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
Non-Automatable
Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.
Automatable
Program computerized numerical control machine tools.
Partially Automatable
Design and create templates, patterns, or coreboxes according to work orders, sample parts, or mockups.
Partially Automatable
Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments.
Partially Automatable
Paint or lacquer patterns.
Partially Automatable
Select pattern materials such as wood, resin, and fiberglass.
Partially Automatable
Create computer models of patterns or parts, using modeling software.
Partially Automatable
Apply plastic-impregnated fabrics or coats of sealing wax or lacquer to patterns used to produce plastic.
Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceJudgment and Decision MakingManagement of Financial ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageFine ArtsTherapy and CounselingHistory and Archeology
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesAnalyzing Data or InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Autodesk AutoCADDelcam PowerMILL3D Systems Geomagic Design XMicrosoft OutlookDelcam PowerMILL3D Systems Geomagic Design XMicrosoft OutlookAutodesk AutoCADMastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing softwareMastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Excel
Sheet Metal Workers
Low29.90%
Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Low28.35%
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Low25.88%
Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium33.25%
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium47.82%
Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
Machinists
Medium41.66%
Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Medium47.80%
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.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium43.49%
Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium44.70%
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
Tool and Die Makers
Medium42.07%
Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Medium33.53%
Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Medium39.82%
Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Medium53.64%
Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
Model Makers, Wood
Medium42.20%
Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.
Patternmakers, Wood
Medium48.09%
Plan, lay out, and construct wooden unit or sectional patterns used in forming sand molds for castings.
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Medium40.69%
Grind, sand, or polish, using hand tools or hand-held power tools, a variety of metal, wood, stone, clay, plastic, or glass objects. Includes chippers, buffers, and finishers.
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Medium44.55%
Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
Medium35.73%
Paint, coat, or decorate articles, such as furniture, glass, plateware, pottery, jewelry, toys, books, or leather.
Etchers and Engravers
Medium44.61%
Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Medium44.30%
Mold, shape, form, cast, or carve products such as food products, figurines, tile, pipes, and candles consisting of clay, glass, plaster, concrete, stone, or combinations of materials.
Mechanical Drafters
Medium57.37%
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
Craft Artists
Medium47.40%
Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Medium39.27%
Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Medium44.65%
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Fashion Designers
Medium42.81%
Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
Floral Designers
Medium44.24%
Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.
Foundry Mold and Coremakers
Medium45.76%
Make or form wax or sand cores or molds used in the production of metal castings in foundries.
Prepress Technicians and Workers
High75.59%
Format and proof text and images submitted by designers and clients into finished pages that can be printed. Includes digital and photo typesetting. May produce printing plates.
Print Binding and Finishing Workers
Low26.68%
Bind books and other publications or finish printed products by hand or machine. May set up binding and finishing machines.
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
Low22.86%
Construct, decorate, or repair leather and leather-like products, such as luggage, shoes, and saddles. May use hand tools.
Sewers, Hand
Low11.23%
Sew, join, reinforce, or finish, usually with needle and thread, a variety of manufactured items. Includes weavers and stitchers.
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
Low22.39%
Design, make, alter, repair, or fit garments.
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
Low29.58%
Cut, shape, and assemble wooden articles or set up and operate a variety of woodworking machines, such as power saws, jointers, and mortisers to surface, cut, or shape lumber or to fabricate parts for wood products.
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Medium34.83%
Design, fabricate, adjust, repair, or appraise jewelry, gold, silver, other precious metals, or gems.
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
Medium54.79%
Perform work involved in developing and processing photographic images from film or digital media. May perform precision tasks such as editing photographic negatives and prints.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
High68.97%
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
Potters, Manufacturing
Medium37.41%
Operate production machines such as pug mill, jigger machine, or potter's wheel to process clay in manufacture of ceramic, pottery and stoneware products.