SOC 51-4062
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
⚠️76/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥1,570
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$55K
$39K – $80K
Projected Growth
📈-24.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖44/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 76/100 — 32 points above the national average of 44. With only 44/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $55K ($8K 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 76/100, Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks and ai quality inspection via computer vision systems. The 1,570 Americans in this role should actively develop skills in coordinating workflow across diverse production teams and setup and calibration of custom production runs to remain competitive. Workers who proactively adapt will find new opportunities even as traditional tasks are automated.
Will AI Replace Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
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 | 57% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 67% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 71% |