Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers vs Model Makers, Metal and Plastic: Similar Median Pay, Different Work

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers vs Model Makers, Metal and Plastic: what changes?

Consider Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers if you want to draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. Consider Model Makers, Metal and Plastic if you would rather set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Both list high school diploma or equivalent; compare training and prior experience separately.

Try this next: Compare three local entry-level postings for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers and Model Makers, Metal and Plastic. List the duties, credentials, prior experience, and paid training each employer actually asks for. Try a supervised class or sample project from each field before choosing a program.

BLS 2025 wages and 2025–2035 projections. National medians are not starting offers. Occupation size is not a count of vacancies. View the BLS data.

Compare the practical differences

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

National median pay (2025): $62,750
Route into the job: High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing
Prior related experience: No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Training and licensing: More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing.
Work to investigate: Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
Annual openings (2025–2035): 200

Know before you choose

BLS projects employment to shrink 15% from 2025 to 2035. Openings can still occur when existing workers leave.

See the full Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers brief

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

National median pay (2025): $63,340
Route into the job: High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing
Prior related experience: No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Training and licensing: More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing.
Work to investigate: Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
Annual openings (2025–2035): 200

Know before you choose

BLS projects employment to shrink 17.3% from 2025 to 2035. Openings can still occur when existing workers leave.

See the full Model Makers, Metal and Plastic brief

How the national numbers differ

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers has the edge on projected growth

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers is at -15% projected growth, compared with -17.3% projected growth for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic.

National pay benchmarks are very similar.

Compare actual offers, expected paid hours, schedule, and benefits before treating either career as the higher-paying option.

24.7/ 100

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

24.6/ 100

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.

Detailed evidence

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers vs Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Dimension	Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers	Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Median pay (2025)	$62,750	$63,340
Pay percentile	52.9 percentile	54.1 percentile
Projected growth (2025–2035)	-15%	-17.3%
Annual openings (2025–2035)	200	200
2025 employment	3,000	2,600
How you qualify	High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing	High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing
O*NET preparation group	Job Zone 3	Job Zone 3
Related work experience	No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.	No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
On-the-job training	More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing.	More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing.

The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.

Read Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers brief Read Model Makers, Metal and Plastic brief

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers vs Model Makers, Metal and Plastic: what changes?

The facts most likely to affect your decision

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

How the national numbers differ

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers has the edge on projected growth

National pay benchmarks are very similar.

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers vs Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

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