SOC 51-4061
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
⚠️78/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥3,230
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$63K
$38K – $96K
Projected Growth
📈-18.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖48/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Model Makers, Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 78/100 — 34 points above the national average of 44. With only 48/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $63K ($16K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 78/100, Model Makers, Metal and Plastic faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include smart factory scheduling and production optimization and cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks. The 3,230 Americans in this role should actively develop skills in setup and calibration of custom production runs and troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions to remain competitive. Workers who proactively adapt will find new opportunities even as traditional tasks are automated.
Will AI Replace Model Makers, Metal and Plastic?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 61% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 75% |
| Supervisors of Production Workers | 34 | $71K | 73% |