Occupations/51-4062.00
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
Usually a certificate, vocational program, or associate degree — not a bachelor’s.
AI automation risk
51%
Mixed exposure
Human characteristics
43%
Balanced human and task mix
Task orientation
54%
Mixed exposure
A day in this job
- Mostly routine
Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
- Mostly routine
Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
- Mostly routine
Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
The tasks we can read here lean routine. That sits next to the AI risk rank — it is not a forecast that the job disappears.
Core tasks
- 01Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
- 02Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
- 03Repair and rework templates and patterns.
- 04Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
- 05Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
- 06Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.
Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)
- Repeating same tasks3.04
- Degree of automation2.12
- Time sitting2.24
- Originality (ability)2.62
- Conflict situations3.09
- Hands-on objects/tools4.53
- Outdoors / weather1.94
- Disease exposure1.02
- Decision freedom3.79
Top abilities
- Near Vision3.88
- Arm-Hand Steadiness3.50
- Visualization3.25
- Problem Sensitivity3.25
- Manual Dexterity3.25
- Control Precision3.25
- Selective Attention3.12
- Information Ordering3.12
Essential skills
- Reading Comprehension3.00
- Active Listening3.00
- Writing2.25
- Speaking3.00
- Mathematics2.38
- Science1.50
- Critical Thinking3.00
- Active Learning2.62
- Learning Strategies2.12
- Monitoring3.00
CIP matches
Schools offering related programs
11 shown
Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.
| Institution | Program | Tuition | Admit | Grad 6-yr | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, MN · Public | Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking 48.0506 | $5,900 | 100% | 28% | 1 yr $54,035 2 yr $55,512 Associate · CIP 48.05 |
Century College White Bear Lake, MN · Public | Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking 48.0506 | $6,000 | 100% | 31% | 1 yr $53,358 2 yr — Associate · CIP 48.05 |
Saint Paul College St. Paul, MN · Public | Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking 48.0506 | $6,100 | 100% | 29% | 1 yr $40,551 2 yr $42,363 Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, MN · Public | Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking 48.0506 | $9,800 | 71% | 61% | 1 yr $38,289 2 yr $34,704 Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
University of Minnesota-Rochester Rochester, MN · Public | Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking 48.0506 | $14,200 | 72% | 73% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Associate · CIP 48.05 |
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids, MN · Public | Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking 48.0506 | $5,800 | 100% | 33% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MN · Public | Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking 48.0506 | $6,200 | 100% | 38% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |
Miami Dade College Miami, FL · Public | Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking 48.0506 | $2,900 | 100% | 41% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA · Public | Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking 48.0506 | $5,700 | 100% | 35% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Anoka Technical College Anoka, MN · Public | Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking 48.0506 | $6,300 | 100% | 48% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |
Macomb Community College Warren, MI · Public | Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking 48.0506 | $4,200 | 100% | 22% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |