Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Salary Guide 2025: $58,000 Median, -24% Job Decline
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic earned a median salary of $58,000 in 2024, with a mean of $60,610 (about $28 per hour). The typical range runs from $42,460 at the 10th percentile to $82,590 at the 90th. But this occupation is shrinking fast: employment is just 1,470, and the BLS projects a -24.4% decline over the next decade, with only about 100 openings per year.
How much Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic earn
The median annual wage for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic is $58,000. Half of all workers earn between $42,460 and $82,590. The top 10% earn over $82,590, while the bottom 10% earn below $42,460.
Pay varies significantly by industry and location. The highest-paid patternmakers often work in specialized manufacturing, aerospace, or automotive sectors.
Pay by state
Ohio tops the list at an average of $97,690, well above the national median. Minnesota ($74,900), Massachusetts ($65,210), Iowa ($63,420), and Alabama ($62,290) also pay well.
At the lower end, Wisconsin averages $52,150, Texas $49,390, and North Carolina $47,050. Geographic mobility can boost earnings considerably.
How to become Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Most patternmakers learn through a combination of high school courses in math and metalworking, followed by a formal apprenticeship or on-the-job training. Some attend technical colleges for associate degrees or certificates in machinist or tool-and-die programs.
Typical steps: 1) Get a high school diploma or GED. 2) Complete a 4-5 year apprenticeship or vocational program. 3) Learn blueprint reading, CAD software, and operation of CNC machines. 4) Gain experience in patternmaking shops or foundries. Certification from NIMS or other organizations can help advance.
Job outlook
The BLS projects a -24.4% decline in employment from 2024 to 2034, meaning the occupation is shrinking rapidly. With only 1,470 current jobs and about 100 openings per year (mostly due to retirements), competition will be tight. Automation and 3D printing are replacing traditional patternmaking in many settings.
Despite the decline, some opportunities exist in niche industries like aerospace and custom metal fabrication, where precision patterns are still required.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic?
The national median salary is $58,000, with a range from $42,460 to $82,590. The mean hourly wage is about $28.
How do I become a Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic?
Most complete a 4-5 year apprenticeship or a technical college program in machining or tool-and-die. High school courses in math and metalworking are helpful.
Is Patternmaker, Metal and Plastic a good career?
Pay is decent at the median, but the occupation is declining quickly (-24.4% over ten years). Only 100 openings per year exist, so it's not a growth field.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic data.