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.
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
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.
How you compare to similar Production roles
Your tasks, by AI exposure
No automatable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (94%).
- 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.
- Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
Safer adjacent roles
Your AI-Safe Career Report
Every task scored with what to do about it · 5–10 safer roles with salary, demand & reachability · skill-gap map · a 30/60/90-day roadmap · plus a résumé & LinkedIn rewrite · PDF.
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Workers with AI skills earn a roughly 62% wage premium — adapting pays. — PwC Global AI Jobs Barometer, 2026
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