CFChooseField
Production

Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
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Median pay

$61,870
Median annual pay for Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-5.4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

5,700
Estimated U.S. employment for Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

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Essential skills

  1. 1Mathematics
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Active Listening
  6. 6Speaking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mathematics
  2. 2Design
  3. 3Mechanical
  4. 4Production and Processing
  5. 5Engineering and Technology
  6. 6English Language

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
  3. 3Visualization
  4. 4Manual Dexterity
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Information Ordering

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Artistic
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Achievement Orientation
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Handling and Moving Objects
  3. 3Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  4. 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  5. 5Controlling Machines and Processes
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  3. 3Exposed to Contaminants
  4. 4Time Pressure
  5. 5Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  6. 6Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames.
  • Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly.
  • Lift and position workpieces in relation to surface plates, manually or with hoists, and using parallel blocks and angle plates.

Software and tools

Autodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyHexagon Metrology PC-DMISInventory tracking softwareOptical Gaging Products Measure-X

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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