Skills it runs on
The capabilities O*NET rates most important for this occupation — the human ground the work is built on.
See all skills →Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Occupation · SOC 51-4061.00
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.
Also called: CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) · Model Builder · Model Maker · Molding Technician (Molding Tech) · CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer) · Metal Model Maker · Model Maker Machinist · Model Technician (Model Tech) · Pattern Finisher · Prototype Special Build · Aircraft Mockup Builder · Appliances Sample Maker
Job family: Production Occupations
Take this to your AI
A source-stamped Markdown brief of this occupation — paste it into an agent, or fetch
/roles/role-51-4061-00/context.md directly.
AI work map
A fast read on where AI already shows up in this occupation, where it stays a copilot, where humans remain in the loop, and what the labor market is doing. Built from observed Claude.ai conversations mapped to O*NET tasks and from published research — measures of usage and exposure, not advice or predictions that the job is going away.
Market signal
Independent published positions, read together — not a forecast.
- Declining employment outlook (-18.2% by 2034)
- 300 openings/yr
- Low AI exposure
- Median pay $62,700/yr
- Work is mostly on-site (not teleworkable)
- 2013 flagged this for computerization (84th); today's AI task-overlap is comparatively low (21st)
21st-percentile task overlap — yet about 300 openings a year (-18.2% projected, BLS) . What exposure means →
AI & job outlook
What today's research says about this occupation's exposure to AI, how AI is actually being used in it, and where employment is headed. These are positions within published studies — measures of exposure and usage, not predictions that this job will disappear.
Exposure to current AI
Each study uses its own scale, so the raw scores are not comparable across rows — the percentile (this job's rank among all U.S. occupations with data) is the comparable figure, and sizes the bars.
| Measure | Rank vs all occupations | Percentile | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) Low | 27th | -0.7 | |
| LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) Low | 24th | 0.2 | |
| AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) Low | 17th | 0.1 |
OpenAI's exposure study scores tasks three ways: with a language model alone (α 0.1), with simple added tooling (β 0.2), and including AI-powered software (γ 0.2). Higher means more of the job's tasks could be done at least twice as fast — not that they will be automated away.
This job mostly cannot be done remotely (Dingel–Neiman) — its hands-on tasks sit outside what software-based AI reaches.
Mixed signals. Today's AI/LLM studies show relatively low exposure for this job, but the older (2013) Frey–Osborne work rated it higher for computerization and robotics. Different eras, different technologies — the AI measures above reflect the current state.
Historical automation estimate (2013)
A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
Frey–Osborne probability 0.9 · 84th percentile among occupations · High
Job outlook
Independent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projection for 2024–2034 — a labor-market forecast, not an AI-impact forecast.
| Outlook | Declining · -18.2% by 2034 |
| Projected annual openings | 300 |
| Employment 2024 → 2034 | 3,200 → 2,600 |
“Annual openings” counts new jobs plus replacements for workers who leave the occupation, so it can be large even when growth is modest.
Where this work sits on the global GenAI gradient
The ILO's 2025 global study scores generative-AI exposure on the international ISCO-08 occupation system, not US SOC. Bridged through the published (and approximate, many-to-many) IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 crosswalk, this US occupation corresponds to the international occupation below. Exposure here means how much of the work's tasks today's AI can attempt — task overlap, not automation, adoption, or jobs lost.
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic sits at the 34th percentile of 427
occupations on the global GenAI task-exposure gradient
— exposure eased from 2023 to 2025. Each dot is one occupation; the
ringed one is this work. Exposure is task overlap, not automation or jobs lost.
20% mean task exposure (2025)
34th percentile of 427 placed occupations
−1 pts shift 2023 → 2025
| International occupation (ISCO-08) | Task exposure (2025) | Most tasks fall in |
|---|---|---|
| Toolmakers and Related Workers · 7222 | 20% | Not exposed |
Read the whole six-band gradient on the GenAI exposure gradient page. The crosswalk is approximate: a US occupation can map to several international ones, and the ILO scores describe the international occupation, not this exact US role.
Tasks
All 16 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, ordered by importance. Each links to its own page with AI-exposure and observed-use detail.
- Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences. Core · importance 4.5
- Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models. Core · importance 4.3
- Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts. Core · importance 4.3
- Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets. Core · importance 4.2
- Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers. Core · importance 4.2
- Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards. Core · importance 4.1
- Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools. Core · importance 4.0
- Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions. Core · importance 4.0
- Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment. Core · importance 3.9
- Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures. Core · importance 3.9
- Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing. Core · importance 3.9
- Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts. Core · importance 3.8
- Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools. Core · importance 3.5
- Consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications. Core · importance 3.5
- Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines. Core · importance 3.0
- Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components. Supplemental · importance 2.3
Work activities
- Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
- Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
- Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
- Operate cutting equipment.
- Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.
- Shape metal workpieces with hammers or other small hand tools.
- Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
- Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
- Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
- Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
- Operate grinding equipment.
- Record operational or production data.
- Repair parts or assemblies.
- Assemble metal or plastic parts or products.
- Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
- Confer with others to resolve production problems or equipment malfunctions.
- Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
- Build production molds.
- Design tools, fixtures, or other devices for production equipment.
- Solder parts or workpieces.
- Program equipment to perform production tasks.
Knowledge, skills & abilities
O*NET importance rating, from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).
Knowledge
| Mechanical | 4.3 | |
| Mathematics | 4.0 | |
| Production and Processing | 3.9 | |
| Design | 3.9 | |
| Engineering and Technology | 3.8 | |
| Computers and Electronics | 2.9 |
Abilities
| Near Vision | 4.0 | |
| Visualization | 3.8 | |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | 3.6 | |
| Manual Dexterity | 3.6 | |
| Finger Dexterity | 3.6 | |
| Control Precision | 3.6 | |
| Written Comprehension | 3.5 | |
| Information Ordering | 3.5 | |
| Oral Comprehension | 3.4 | |
| Problem Sensitivity | 3.4 | |
| Deductive Reasoning | 3.4 | |
| Reaction Time | 3.4 | |
| Selective Attention | 3.3 | |
| Multilimb Coordination | 3.3 | |
| Oral Expression | 3.0 | |
| Written Expression | 3.0 | |
| Inductive Reasoning | 3.0 | |
| Category Flexibility | 3.0 | |
| Perceptual Speed | 3.0 | |
| Rate Control | 3.0 | |
| Static Strength | 3.0 | |
| Trunk Strength | 3.0 | |
| Far Vision | 3.0 | |
| Auditory Attention | 3.0 |
Transferable skills
| Operation and Control | 3.6 | |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.5 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.3 | |
| Equipment Selection | 3.0 | |
| Troubleshooting | 3.0 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 | |
| Time Management | 3.0 |
Essential skills
| Critical Thinking | 3.3 | |
| Monitoring | 3.1 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.9 |
Skills in demand
Skills employers ask for in job postings for this occupation (Lightcast), with whether each is a common or specialized skill.
Tools & technology
| Example | Category | |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | Hot technology |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | Hot technology |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | Hot technology |
| CNC Software Mastercam | Computer aided manufacturing CAM software | |
| PTC Creo Parametric | Computer aided design CAD software |
Work context
How characteristic each condition is of the job, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale (higher = more present in day-to-day work). Each condition links to how it varies across all occupations.
How to get in
- Job zone
- Zone 3 — Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Typical entry-level education
- High school diploma or equivalent · BLS, the typical path — not a requirement
- Related experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Preparation level
- SVP (6.0 to < 7.0) — total schooling plus on-the-job experience.
What to study: Precision Production . Fields of study crosswalked to this occupation (NCES CIP–SOC), not a requirement.
Education of current workers
Share of people in this occupation at each level of education.
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 37.7% | |
| Some College Courses | 15.5% | |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 5.0% | |
| Post-Master's Certificate | 0.8% |
Interests & work styles
The interests and personal qualities O*NET associates with people who do this work.
Career interests (Holland / RIASEC)
| Realistic | 6.9 | |
| Conventional | 4.0 | |
| Investigative | 2.9 | |
| Artistic | 2.7 |
Interest areas
Work styles
| Attention to Detail | 2.7 | |
| Dependability | 2.2 | |
| Cautiousness | 2.0 | |
| Achievement Orientation | 1.6 |
Wages & employment
U.S. · annual wages (BLS OEWS)
| 10th percentile | $38,430 |
| 25th percentile | $48,860 |
| Median (50th) | $62,700 |
| 75th percentile | $79,470 |
| 90th percentile | $95,780 |
| People employed | 3,230 |
Industries that employ this occupation
Where these workers are employed, by number of jobs (national, BLS OEWS). Pay shown is the occupation's national median, not industry-specific.
| Industry | Workers | National median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing · Sector | 2,110 | $54,840 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 840 | $76,060 |
| Engineering Services · National industry | 350 | $94,750 |
| Wholesale Trade · Sector | 110 | $82,050 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises · Sector | 70 | $74,530 |
| Jewelry and Silverware Manufacturing · National industry | 50 | $33,330 |
| Machine Shops · National industry | — | $60,650 |
Where this work is most concentrated
Industries where this occupation is far more common than in the economy as a whole. The location quotient is how many times more concentrated it is here (a value of 5 means five times its economy-wide share).
| Industry | Concentration | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Services · National industry | 14.45× | 350 |
| Manufacturing · Sector | 7.89× | 2,110 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 3.72× | 840 |
| Wholesale Trade · Sector | 0.87× | 110 |
Related occupations
Part of the Advanced Manufacturing career cluster.
- Tool and Die Makers · 51-4111.00 Compare →
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic · 51-4192.00 Compare →
- Machinists · 51-4041.00 Compare →
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers · 51-2031.00 Compare →
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic · 51-4062.00 Compare →
- Model Makers, Wood · 51-7031.00 Compare →
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters · 51-2041.00 Compare →
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · 51-4035.00 Compare →
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers · 51-2022.00 Compare →
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic · 51-9195.00 Compare →
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers · 51-2011.00 Compare →
- Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers · 51-2023.00 Compare →
Side-by-side comparisons place two occupations’ pay, preparation, skills, and AI exposure on the same page — same data, same scale, no forecast.
What you can do with this
Options the data surfaces for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic — not advice or a forecast. Each is a real cross-link you can follow into the evidence.
Skills that travel
Capabilities this work builds that are used across many other occupations.
Adjacent roles
Occupations O*NET rates as related — the nearby moves on the map.
Paths in
How people typically prepare for this work.
- High school diploma or equivalent · typical entry level
- Job zone 3 — Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed · preparation tier
- Precision Production · field of study
Zoom out
On the global GenAI exposure gradient this work sits around the 34th percentile of 427 international occupations.
Write a report on thisheadline · factoids · citation
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic show 21st-percentile AI task overlap — and about 300 annual U.S. openings
- Model Makers, Metal and Plastic rank in the 21st percentile (Low band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated.Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE
- The occupation is projected to see about 300 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- BLS projects employment to be declining (-18.2%) from 2024 to 2034.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- Median annual pay is $62,700, across about 3,230 U.S. workers.BLS OEWS (May 2024)
Copy the whole kit
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic show 21st-percentile AI task overlap — and about 300 annual U.S. openings • Model Makers, Metal and Plastic rank in the 21st percentile (Low band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated. (Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE) • The occupation is projected to see about 300 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • BLS projects employment to be declining (-18.2%) from 2024 to 2034. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • Median annual pay is $62,700, across about 3,230 U.S. workers. (BLS OEWS (May 2024)) Source: Singulariki — "Model Makers, Metal and Plastic". https://singulariki.com/roles/role-51-4061-00 Note: AI task overlap measures what today's AI can attempt, not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
AssetsShare imageMethodology & sourcesPress & newsroomThe newsroom
Every line is built only from figures this page already shows and cites. AI task overlap means what today's AI can attempt — not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
Sources for this page
Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.
- O*NET 30.3 U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai Microsoft Research
- “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic
- AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans academic
- ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025 International Labour Organization
- IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022 Institute for Structural Research (IBS)
- Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation academic
- Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome academic
Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.
Cite this page
Plain
Singulariki. "Model Makers, Metal and Plastic." Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Built from O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026. https://singulariki.com/roles/role-51-4061-00
APA
Singulariki. (2026). Model Makers, Metal and Plastic. Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://singulariki.com/roles/role-51-4061-00
BibTeX
@misc{singulariki-role-51-4061-00,
title = {Model Makers, Metal and Plastic},
author = {{Singulariki}},
year = {2026},
note = {O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026},
url = {https://singulariki.com/roles/role-51-4061-00}
} Citations name the underlying public dataset releases — they reflect what this page is built from, not just the URL.