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.
U.S. Workers
3,230
Median Salary
$62,700
10-Year Growth
-18.2%
Annual Openings
300
Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent
16 of 16 tasks have some AI capability
Exposure Trend
This score reflects estimated AI technical capability for tasks in this occupation. It does not predict employment changes, and it does not account for company-specific constraints, regulation, or adoption barriers.
Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
AI: Fully automatable - AI and CAD/CAM tools can reliably parse blueprints/CAD, extract dimensions, and generate material lists and operation sequences for standard designs by 2025.
Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
AI: Fully automatable - By 2025 CAM software and AI tools routinely generate CNC programs from models and drawings, enabling fully automated CNC programming for most model parts.
Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacture (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.
AI: Fully automatable - By 2025 AI-assisted tools can generate CAD models, optimize designs and produce CAM toolpaths and directly drive fabrication hardware end-to-end in many workflows.
Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
AI: Fully automatable - Recording specifications and dimensional data can be fully automated through CAD/CAM logs, metrology systems and AI-driven documentation tools.
Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
AI: Partial - Automated inspection systems and AI-driven analysis exist for many standardized measurements and tests, but complex setups and nonstandard tests still require human judgment and intervention.
Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
AI: Partial - CNC and robotic drilling automate many hole-making tasks, but handheld power-tool drilling/countersinking in variable assemblies remains partially manual and only partially automatable in 2025.
Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
AI: Partial - Machining and cutting operations are widely automated by CNC for repeatable jobs, but broader manual shaping and bespoke metalforming still rely on skilled humans and only partial automation exists.
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
AI: Partial - AI can assist with programming and optimizing machine operation, but physically setting up machines, fixturing, and initial adjustments for prototypes typically require human operators.
Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
AI: Partial - AI can design tools, dies, and jigs and aid in optimization, but constructing, fitting, and modifying bespoke tooling still largely depends on skilled hands-on technicians.
Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
AI: Partial - Reworking and altering parts to meet standards often involves manual fitting and judgment; AI can guide and suggest changes but cannot fully perform all rework tasks in 2025.
Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
AI: Partial - Automated grinding and sanding cells exist for repetitive finishing, but fine manual grinding, filing, and hand-sanding to final dimensions remain only partially automatable.
Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.
AI: Partial - AI and CNC/robotic systems can guide or perform marking in controlled settings, but manual layout with handheld measuring and ambiguous fixturing still requires human judgment and dexterity.
Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.
AI: Partial - Robotic bolting and welding are mature for repetitive tasks, but complex alignment, fixturing and adhesive joining in one-off models still need human intervention and oversight.
Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines.
AI: Partial - Automated assembly exists for standardized components, but integrating heterogeneous mechanical/electrical parts in prototypes commonly requires human dexterity and on-the-fly decision making.
Consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications.
AI: Partial - AI can analyze data, propose solutions and support discussions, but high-level consultation, negotiation and contextual engineering judgement remain partly human-led.
Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components.
AI: Partial - Automated soldering and selective wiring systems handle production runs, but prototype wiring and fine hand-soldering tasks still often require human skill and adaptability.