Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Machines can already do 27% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 64%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 27% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2032, and 64% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 1,470 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $58,000 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 61% for contact with people.
- Also called: Die Cast Die Maker, Fixture Builder, Journeyman Patternmaker, Layout Technician (Layout Tech).
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns | 21% | 20% to 60% | |
| Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences | 10% | 48% to 82% | |
| Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers | 9% | 20% to 60% | |
| Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment | 9% | 20% to 60% | |
| Repair and rework templates and patterns | 9% | 20% to 60% | |
| Design and create templates, patterns, or coreboxes according to work orders, sample parts, or mockups | 7% | 20% to 60% | |
| Create computer models of patterns or parts, using modeling software | 7% | 35% to 65% | |
| Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders | 6% | 20% to 60% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills patternmakers, metal and plastic use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic61% of tasks by 2035 · US median $63,870
- Model Makers, Wood63% of tasks by 2035 · US median $56,550
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers61% of tasks by 2035 · US median $58,970
- Electricians50% of tasks by 2035 · US median $63,190
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2032. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of patternmakers, metal and plastic?
Machines can do 27% of the tasks of patternmakers, metal and plastic today and 64% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 51-4062.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/patternmakers-metal-and-plastic/