Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects.
About the profession
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.
How to Get Started
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Career Match Test →Explore the Career Path section to see progression from junior to senior
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Jump to Learning Path →Video
Occupation on screen: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators (O*NET 51-9161.00). The Department of Labor publishes one film per occupation family, and this is the film it lists for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic (51-4061.00), which is how Prototype Model Maker is classified. Closed captions in English and Spanish. CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration)
Personality Fit
Based on the Model Makers, Metal and Plastic role, here are the RIASEC personality types that tend to thrive in this career. While these alignments are common, individual success depends on motivation, skill development, and finding the right work environment.
Enterprising
Leading, persuading, business
Artistic
Creative, expressive, original thinking
Social
Helping, teaching, working with people
Not sure if these types match you? Take the full RIASEC assessment (4 min) to discover your personality profile and see how it aligns with hundreds of careers.
Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Junior Model Makers, Metal and Plastic → Practitioner Model Makers, Metal and Plastic → Senior Practitioner Model Makers, Metal and Plastic → Lead Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Where are you on this career path?
Click a level below to set your current position
Salary Growth
4
Levels
$88K
Top Salary
8+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
🚀
Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Timeline: 0-2 | Entry Level Base: $42,470 - $53,958/year With equity/bonuses: $46,717 - $64,750 Top markets (SF/NYC): $48,840 - $64,750 Execute core tasks using Operation and…
Skills used in this career
Click any skill to see how to learn it and what salary boost it gives
Day in Life
Junior vs Senior, daily schedule breakdown
9am, Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
Income Dynamics
Conservative and aggressive scenarios for 10–15 years
Year 1: Entry level $29,729 - $48,562 Year 2-3: Junior level $53,958 - $62,173 Year 4-6: Mid level $62,173 - $67,408 Year 7-10: Senior level $67,408 - $80,780 Year 10+:…
Is this for me?
15 questions, answer honestly
You find the craft of a Model Makers, Metal and Plastic genuinely interesting, not just a paycheck You enjoy working with Operation and Control and Operations Monitoring You…
💰 Pay for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
BLS OEWS, May 2023The federal survey does not count this job title on its own — it is counted under Model Makers, Metal and Plastic (51-4061).
Half of U.S. workers in this occupation earn more than this, half earn less.
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Related Reading
Related Holland / RIASEC Types