Expand mobile version menu
  Skip to main content

Model Maker

salary graphic

AVG. SALARY

$34,920

education graphic

EDUCATION

High school preferred +

What They Do

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Career Video

About This Career

Sets up and operates machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster Production pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Studies blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
  • Inspects and tests products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
  • Drills, countersinks, and reams holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
  • Cuts, shapes, and forms metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
  • Sets up and operates machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
  • Devises and constructs tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modifies existing tools and equipment.
  • Reworks or alters component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
  • Grinds, files, and sands parts to finished dimensions.
  • Programs computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
  • Lays out and marks reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 20 lbs., sometimes up to 50 lbs. You might do a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling.
  • Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
  • Exposure to pollutants, gases, dust, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, etc.
  • Exposed to hazardous equipment such as saws, machinery, or vehicular traffic more than once a month
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
  • Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Picking out a particular sound in the presence of other sounds
  • Seeing clearly at a distance
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person
  • Using abdominal and lower back muscles repeatedly or over time without tiring

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Metal Model Maker
  • Model Builder
  • Molding Technician
  • Pattern Finisher
  • Prototype Special Build

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

Support


Powered by XAP

OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.