Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
AI Impact Summary
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 32/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 48% of all analyzed occupations. Of 15 analyzed tasks, 2 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
AI-Augmented Skills (7)
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
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Upskill to Reduce Risk
Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills
SQL Fundamentals Skill Track
by DataCamp
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AI-Augmentation Tools
Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity
Cybersecurity Fundamentals Path
by Pluralsight
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Strengthen Your Edge
Double down on skills AI can't replicate
Leading People and Teams Specialization
by University of Michigan
Estimated Impact
We may earn a commission when you enroll through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the Takeover Tracker.
Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
How AI Impacts Each Task
15 tasks analyzed
Program computerized numerical control machine tools.
Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
Create computer models of patterns or parts, using modeling software.
Repair and rework templates and patterns.
Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.
Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
Design and create templates, patterns, or coreboxes according to work orders, sample parts, or mockups.
Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.
Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments.
Paint or lacquer patterns.
Select pattern materials such as wood, resin, and fiberglass.
Apply plastic-impregnated fabrics or coats of sealing wax or lacquer to patterns used to produce plastic.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program computerized numerical control machine tools. | 59.72Observed | 73.1% | 10% | |
| Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers. | 17.85Observed | 40.1% | 10% | |
| Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 15% | |
| Create computer models of patterns or parts, using modeling software. | 70Estimated | 55.0% | 8% | |
| Repair and rework templates and patterns. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 8% | |
| Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 8% | |
| Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences. | 70Estimated | 55.0% | 8% | |
| Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 5% | |
| Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 8% | |
| Design and create templates, patterns, or coreboxes according to work orders, sample parts, or mockups. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 6% | |
| Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates. | 65Estimated | 59.0% | 2% | |
| Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 5% | |
| Paint or lacquer patterns. | 60Estimated | 57.0% | 3% | |
| Select pattern materials such as wood, resin, and fiberglass. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 2% | |
| Apply plastic-impregnated fabrics or coats of sealing wax or lacquer to patterns used to produce plastic. | 45Estimated | 51.0% | 2% |
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 24.6%
Essential Soft Skills
Traits that are hard for AI to replicate
Wage & Employment (2024)
Median Wage
$54,540
per year
Mean Wage
$57,930
per year
Employment
2K
workers
Wage Range
$39,150 - $79,690
10th - 90th pct
Wage Distribution
Explore other career paths
Compare displacement risk across occupations and find careers with stronger long-term prospects.
Alternate Career Paths
See all transitionsModel Makers, Wood
19%Median salary: $51,850
Higher risk than 4% of other occupations
Tool and Die Makers
24%Median salary: $63,180
Higher risk than 17% of other occupations
Patternmakers, Wood
25%Median salary: $52,520
Higher risk than 19% of other occupations
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
28%Median salary: $62,700
Higher risk than 30% of other occupations
Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers
29%Median salary: $45,690
Higher risk than 35% of other occupations
Machinists
37%Median salary: $56,150
Higher risk than 71% of other occupations
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
40%Median salary: $48,620
Higher risk than 79% of other occupations
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
41%Median salary: $46,630
Higher risk than 83% of other occupations
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
42%Median salary: $48,310
Higher risk than 84% of other occupations
Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic
43%Higher risk than 88% of other occupations
Sales Managers
25%Higher risk than 20% of other occupations
Chief Executives
26%Higher risk than 23% of other occupations
General and Operations Managers
28%Higher risk than 29% of other occupations
Marketing Managers
30%Higher risk than 38% of other occupations
Advertising and Promotions Managers
31%Higher risk than 43% of other occupations
Computer and Information Systems Managers
31%Higher risk than 45% of other occupations
Recommendations
Skills to Develop
These skills are at risk from AI automation. Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic professionals should diversify beyond them.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Information Ordering
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
- Mathematics
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
- Programming
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Skills to Leverage
These human-centric skills remain difficult for AI to replicate. Double down here.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Leadership
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Manual Dexterity
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Coordination
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Tools to Adopt
AI can amplify these skills. Learn the tools that augment rather than replace your work.
- Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Monitoring
Monitoring will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Active Learning
Active Learning will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Writing
Writing will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change