A patternmaker for metal and plastic creates templates and molds that guide manufacturing. It is hands-on, technical work that you can enter with some college education. Here is what the work involves, what preparation looks like, and how to get in.
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Patternmakers create patterns and molds that manufacturers use to shape metal and plastic parts. You control machines and processes to build these templates with precision. The work involves inspecting equipment and materials to ensure accuracy, organizing your workflow, and communicating with supervisors and team members about specifications. You solve problems when designs need adjustment and use mathematics and mechanical knowledge to translate design concepts into working patterns that production teams can use.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $58,000 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 24 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 100 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most patternmakers complete some college coursework in manufacturing, design, or a related technical field. You will need strong skills in mathematics, reading comprehension, and active listening to learn both the technical and interpersonal sides of the work. Job Zone 3 preparation means you should expect medium-level training and experience building. Many people enter this field through technical programs, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction in production processes and design principles.
Paths into patternmaking typically combine technical education with hands-on training. If you are exploring whether a certificate program or associate degree fits your timeline and goals, Pathly can map the patternmaker, metal and plastic path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to find your best route.
You are drawn to realistic work: hands-on problem-solving with machines, materials, and measurable results. You think in concrete terms and enjoy seeing your patterns come to life in production.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).