As of June 2026, Model Makers, Metal and Plastic has an AI-exposure score of 48/100 (Moderate exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.

AI Exposure Score for

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

48/100
Moderate exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 30% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$63,340. About 300 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).

Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.

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How you compare to similar Production roles

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic (you)
48
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
48
Bakers
48
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
48
Helpers--Production Workers
47
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
47
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Your tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable

No automatable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (94%).

Augmentable
  • Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
  • Consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications.
  • Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
  • Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
  • Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
  • Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
  • Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
  • Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.
  • Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
  • Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components.
  • Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
  • Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.
  • Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.
  • Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines.
  • Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
Durable
  • Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.

Safer adjacent roles

Tool and Die Makers
80% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$64,050
46
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
72% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$63,870
44
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
64% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$58,000
49
Model Makers, Wood
56% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$56,550
46
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
48% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$51,330
44
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$53,710
40
Machinists
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$58,750
55
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure
47

Your AI-Safe Career Report

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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.