Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Production Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 51-4061.00
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
Low· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery highGroup-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
- Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.000
0.000Range of values carried here0.745Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.20
0.09Range of values carried here0.70Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
What kind of figure this source publishes
The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.
Task-level exposure
Show 13 hidden tasks16 rated tasks · 3 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (18.8%)
β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.
- Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
- All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
- Source
- OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
- Release
- gh-main-0471612
- License
- MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.O*NET Task ID 20924 | 1.0 |
Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.O*NET Task ID 20925 | 1.0 |
Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.O*NET Task ID 12022 | 0.5 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page
All O*NET 31.0 task statements (16)
All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.
| Task (O*NET 31.0) | Type |
|---|---|
| Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences. | Core |
| Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models. | Core |
| Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers. | Core |
| Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets. | Core |
| Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools. | Core |
| Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools. | Core |
| Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions. | Core |
| Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures. | Core |
| Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards. | Core |
| Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing. | Core |
| Consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications. | Core |
| Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment. | Core |
| Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts. | Core |
| Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines. | Supplemental |
| Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components. | Supplemental |
| Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts. | Supplemental |
0.78/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)
E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site
Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.
| Task (O*NET 29.3) | Robot environment tier |
|---|---|
| Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
- Employment, 2025
- 3K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 2K
- Change (2025–35)
- -17.3%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $63,340
- Typical education needed for entry
- High school diploma or equivalent
Korea classification links (KSCO)
Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.
| KSCO code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74010 | 금형원 | Related, not a match | confirmed |
Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)
ILO occupational description
AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.
- ISCO-08 7222Toolmakers and Related Workers
The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.
Toolmakers and related workers make and repair custom-made and specialised tools, sports guns, locks, dies, patterns, machinery components and other metal articles using hand and machine tools to work metal to fine tolerances.
Tasks
- (a) reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications of tools, dies, prototypes or models;
- (b) preparing templates and sketches, and determining work processes;
- (c) visualizing and computing dimensions, sizes, shapes and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications;
- (d) positioning, securing and measuring metal stock or castings to lay out for machining;
- (e) setting up, operating and maintaining conventional and computer numerically controlled machine tools to cut, turn, mill, plane, drill, bore, grind or otherwise shape work pieces to prescribed dimensions and finish;
- (f) fitting and assembling parts to make and repair jigs, fixtures and gauges;
- (g) repairing and modifying sports guns and other small arms;
- (h) making, fitting, assembling, repairing and installing lock parts and locks;
- (i) making and repairing metal patterns for preparation of foundry moulds;
- (j) laying out lines and reference points on metal stock to guide other workers who cut, turn, mill, grind or otherwise shape metal;
- (k) verifying dimensions, alignments and clearances of finished parts for conformity with specifications, using precision measuring instruments and testing completed items for proper operation.
Example occupations
Die maker · Gunsmith · Jig maker · Locksmith · Patternmaker · Toolmaker
Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits
ESCO occupational vocabulary
Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.
- casting mould makerESCO 7222.1Same scope
Casting mould makers create metal, wooden or plastic models of the finished product to be cast. The patterns are then used to create moulds, eventually leading to the casting of the product of the same shape as the pattern.
- model makerESCO 2163.1.6This occupation is narrower
Model makers create three-dimensional scale models or various designs or concepts and for various purposes, such as models of human skeletons or organs. They also mount the models on display stands so that they can be used for their final purpose such as inclusion in education activities.
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)
License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)
ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.
France classification links (ROME)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.
| ROME code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| H2920 | Prototypiste en mécanique | Overlapping, not the sameprovisional |
| H2903 | Usineur / Usineuse | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| H2908 | Modeleur / Modeleuse | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.
ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)
Spain classification links (CNO-11)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| CNO-11 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 7322 | Trabajadores de la fabricación de herramientas, mecánico-ajustadores, modelistas, matriceros y afines | This occupation is narrower |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)
Germany classification links (KldB)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| KldB code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 27232 | Berufe im Modellbau - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | This occupation is narrower |
Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)
Japan classification links (JSCO)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| JSCO code | JSCO title (Japanese) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 523 | 金属工作機械作業従事者 | Related, not a match |
| 539 | その他の製品製造・加工処理従事者（金属製品を除く） | Related, not a match |
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)
Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources