Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic to decrease by -22.8% between 2024 and 2034, from 1,500 to 1,100 jobs. Its estimate of 100 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($58,000), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
1,500
Projected employment (2034)
1,100
Projected change (2024–2034)
-23%
Annual openings (projected average)
100
Pay & Preparation
$58,000
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operation and Control (3.25/5) • Operations Monitoring (3.12/5) • Quality Control Analysis (3.12/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.12/5) • Critical Thinking (3.12/5) • Active Listening (3/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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