Career Explorer Production
Human edge, steady
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. Includes template makers.
In the middle of the pack: more resilient than 40% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is low (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it low), and US jobs are projected to change by -17.3% by 2035, expected to shrink. The work leans on physical dexterity.
AI struggles with much of this work. Hiring is expected to grow slower than average, or to shrink.
- Median pay (2025)
- $63,340
- Job growth to 2035
- -17.3%
- Openings a year
- 200
- People doing it (2025)
- 2,600
- Usual route in
- High school diploma, then moderate on-the-job training
Where people already use AI for this work
- Program computer systems or production equipment
- Read documents or materials to inform work processes
- Coordinate with others to resolve problems
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Assemble products or work aids
- Operate cutting or grinding equipment
- Position materials or components for assembly
What the work looks like
- Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
- Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
- Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
- Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
- Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects
- Fewer of these jobs, as models made with 3D printers replace hand crafted models.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plasticHuman edge, growing, Index 96, +5.8%
- Cabinetmakers and bench carpentersHuman edge, steady, Index 59, -2.9%
- Etchers and engraversHuman edge, steady, Index 60, -0.7%
- Tile and stone settersHuman edge, growing, Index 92, +9.8%
Also known as: CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), Model Builder, Model Maker, Molding Technician (Molding Tech), CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer), Metal Model Maker, Model Maker Machinist, Model Technician (Model Tech).
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.