Careers · Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic · Iowa
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic in Iowa
Patternmakers in metal and plastic create foundry patterns, core boxes, and match plates used to produce castings and parts. Working in foundries and manufacturing facilities, they lay out designs, machine components, fit pieces together, and assemble these templates that guide the casting process In Iowa the median pay is $63,420 a year, 9% above the national median of $58,000.
$63,420median pay in Iowa, per year
$61,460–$80,880middle half earn
90employed in Iowa
$58,000U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against patternmakers, metal and plastic and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against patternmakers, metal and plastic and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience).
Skills that matter most
Operation and ControlReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisActive ListeningSpeakingMonitoring
Knowledge areas
Mathematics (knowledge)DesignEngineering and TechnologyMechanicalProduction and ProcessingEnglish Language
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic.
Licenses and training in Iowa
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic pay in other states
Ohio · $97,690Minnesota · $74,900Massachusetts · $65,210Alabama · $62,290Washington · $59,800Indiana · $54,740Pennsylvania · $54,150Michigan · $53,780Wisconsin · $52,150Texas · $49,390
Related occupations
Model Makers, Metal and PlasticExtruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticForging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticRolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticCutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticDrilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticGrinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticLathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against patternmakers, metal and plastic and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against patternmakers, metal and plastic and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-4062.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Iowa, annual.