Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Career, Salary and Skills
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $58,000 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 1,470. Wage data is published for 17 locations.
Occupation description
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
O*NET code
51-4062.00
Job zone
3
Typical education
Not recorded
Experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
National salary and employment
Median annual
$58,000
Hourly median
$27.89
Employment
1,470
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Operation and Control | 3.25 | 3.00 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Active Listening | 3.00 | 2.88 |
| Speaking | 3.00 | 2.88 |
| Time Management | 3.00 | 2.75 |
| Monitoring | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.88 | 3.00 |
Typical tasks
- Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
- Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
- Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
- Repair and rework templates and patterns.
- Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
- Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
- Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.
- Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments.
Technology
- 3D Systems Geomagic Design X
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Delcam PowerMILL
- Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Salary in MIMedian $53,780 · Employment 250
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Salary in WIMedian $52,150 · Employment 230
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Salary in PAMedian $54,150 · Employment 160
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Salary in ALMedian $62,290 · Employment 110
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Salary in Milwaukee, WIMedian $49,070 · Employment 110
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Salary in Detroit, MIMedian $48,790 · Employment 100
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Salary in IAMedian $63,420 · Employment 90
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Salary in INMedian $54,740 · Employment 80
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Salary in Birmingham, ALMedian $62,390 · Employment 70
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Salary in OHMedian $97,690 · Employment 70
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Salary in MNMedian $74,900 · Employment 60
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Salary in Minneapolis, MNMedian $74,900 · Employment 50
Related careers
- Sewers, HandNational median $36,480
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and SharpenersNational median $50,060
- Mechanical DraftersNational median $71,550
- Sheet Metal WorkersNational median $61,800
- MachinistsNational median $58,750
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticNational median $47,180
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticNational median $52,800
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and TendersNational median $46,570
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.