Metal & Plastic Layout Worker

Explore This Path

Ideal for those who love precision and working with their hands on diverse materials.
Essential in shaping the components that build ships, machines, and structures.
Use unique tools to transform raw materials into functional, intricate designs.

💰 Earn $58K-$80K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -3.5% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.

Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills.
Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules.
Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled.
Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators.
Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Shaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

600 Annually

Median Earnings

$64,410 in California

$62,270 Nationally

$25K

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$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Metal & Plastic Layout Worker? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@bobbybloom55

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Speaking

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Metal & Plastic Layout Worker

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years