Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Salary
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic earn a median $58,000 a year nationally. Production Occupations
What patternmakers, metal and plastic do
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- -22.8% (declining)
- Openings per year
- 100
Employment of patternmakers, metal and plastic is projected to shrink 22.8% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 100 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$4,780
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,596
- Medicare (1.45%)$841
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$48,783
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $42,460 | $20.41 | $36,297 |
| 25th percentile | $49,070 | $23.59 | $41,608 |
| Median (50th) | $58,000 | $27.88 | $48,783 |
| 75th percentile | $69,960 | $33.63 | $58,047 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $82,590 | $39.71 | $66,932 |
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $97,690 | +54.0% | $75,651 | $40,210 – $97,690 | 70 |
| Minnesota | $74,900 | +13.3% | $57,952 | $50,790 – $74,900 | 60 |
| Massachusetts | $65,210 | +2.7% | $51,536 | $63,130 – $70,510 | — |
| Iowa | $63,420 | +0.2% | $51,380 | $50,720 – $82,950 | 90 |
| Alabama | $62,290 | +28.0% | $49,381 | $42,880 – $62,390 | 110 |
| Washington | $59,800 | +0.1% | $50,229 | $44,090 – $83,380 | 30 |
| Indiana | $54,740 | +1.4% | $44,578 | $35,560 – $75,830 | 80 |
| Pennsylvania | $54,150 | +4.1% | $44,027 | $45,220 – $75,330 | 160 |
| Michigan | $53,780 | −27.1% | $43,357 | $34,180 – $96,140 | 250 |
| Wisconsin | $52,150 | +9.7% | $42,569 | $47,850 – $75,850 | 230 |
| Texas | $49,390 | −6.7% | $41,865 | $36,000 – $63,320 | 40 |
| North Carolina | $47,050 | +23.9% | $38,616 | $32,060 – $66,500 | 40 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model Makers, Metal and Plastic | $63,340 | High school diploma or equivalent | -17.3% |
| Machinist | $58,750 | High school diploma or equivalent | +1.0% |
| Metal-Refining Furnace Operator and Tender | $54,430 | High school diploma or equivalent | -2.9% |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $53,750 | High school diploma or equivalent | +2.4% |
| Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $52,800 | High school diploma or equivalent | -13.2% |
| Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic | $63,870 | High school diploma or equivalent | -3.4% |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 | Postsecondary nondegree award | -9.2% |
| Pourers and Casters, Metal | $51,810 | High school diploma or equivalent | -5.0% |
| Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $50,620 | High school diploma or equivalent | -11.3% |
| Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $50,140 | High school diploma or equivalent | -8.3% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a patternmakers, metal and plastic make?
The national median salary for patternmakers, metal and plastic is $58,000 a year ($27.88 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $42,460 and the top 10% earn over $82,590. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays patternmakers, metal and plastic the most?
Ohio has the highest median pay at $97,690.
How many patternmakers, metal and plastic are there in the U.S.?
About 1,470 people work as patternmakers, metal and plastic nationwide.