Model makers, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4061
Model makers, metal and plastic carries a 42% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $62,700 and -18.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 3,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Model makers, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4061) carries an AI exposure score of 42%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 3,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -18.2% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $62,700, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Model makers, metal and plastic. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
- 2. Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
- 3. Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
- 4. Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
- 5. Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
- 6. Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
- 7. Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
- 8. Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
- 9. Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
- 10. Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Quality Control Analysis
- Monitoring
- Equipment Selection
- Troubleshooting
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Sales and Marketing
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Model makers, metal and plastic?
Model makers, metal and plastic has an AI exposure score of 42%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Model makers, metal and plastic?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Model makers, metal and plastic is projected to decline by 18.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 3,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Model makers, metal and plastic?
Key skills for Model makers, metal and plastic include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Model makers, metal and plastic earn?
The median annual wage for Model makers, metal and plastic is $62,700, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Model makers, metal and plastic?
The typical entry-level education for Model makers, metal and plastic is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Model makers, metal and plastic?
Model makers, metal and plastic roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).