Also called: Patternmaker (Metal & Plastic), Wood Patternmaker, Pattern Shop Technician
Builds the exact full-size models, in wood, plastic or metal, used to make the sand molds that metal castings are poured into.
You study a drawing of a pump housing and figure out how to build a pattern slightly bigger than the part, because metal shrinks as it cools. You machine and hand-carve it, adding core boxes for the hollow insides. Many shops now 3D-print patterns, so CAD skills matter.
Estimated from BLS patternmakers (metal and plastic, and wood).
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Apprenticeship, about 3 years after high school. Apprenticeship or years of on-the-job training; CAD and CNC skills help.
Ways in: Apprenticeship, On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Machine Tool Technology, Woodworking.
Shrinking. Small occupation with many retirements.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. 3D-printed patterns and sand molds are replacing hand-made patterns; CAD and CNC skills keep some roles.
Classes: Woodshop class, Drafting/CAD class, Geometry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-4062.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.