SOC 51-4061
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ78/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ3,230
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$63K
$38K โ $96K
Projected Growth
๐-18.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค48/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Model Makers, Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 78/100 โ 34 points above the national average of 44. With only 48/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $63K ($16K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 78/100, Model Makers, Metal and Plastic faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include smart factory scheduling and production optimization and cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks. The 3,230 Americans in this role should actively develop skills in setup and calibration of custom production runs and troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions to remain competitive. Workers who proactively adapt will find new opportunities even as traditional tasks are automated.
Will AI Replace Model Makers, Metal and Plastic?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
๐ป Technology Skills
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Word processing software
Computer aided design CAD software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Design
Mathematics
Engineering and Technology
Mechanical
Production and Processing
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 61% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 75% |
| Supervisors of Production Workers | 34 | $71K | 73% |