AI exposure score

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic score 15 out of 100, which is low exposure to AI. That ranks #686 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 15 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 2 on its own and 2 more with extra software built on top of it. None of its tasks showed up in real AI use in April–May 2026.

15/ 100

Low

Rank: #686of 923 jobs
US workers: 1,470BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $58,000a year
In real AI use: 0 of 15tasks, April–May 2026

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (13%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 2 (13%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 11 (73%)

Program computerized numerical control machine tools.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
Create computer models of patterns or parts, using modeling software.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Repair and rework templates and patterns.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Design and create templates, patterns, or coreboxes according to work orders, sample parts, or mockups.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Paint or lacquer patterns.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Select pattern materials such as wood, resin, and fiberglass.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Apply plastic-impregnated fabrics or coats of sealing wax or lacquer to patterns used to produce plastic.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

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Questions about patternmakers, metal and plastic and AI

Will AI replace patternmakers, metal and plastic?

Unlikely. Most of the work is hard for today's AI to speed up. Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic score 15 out of 100 (low exposure), #686 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 4 of the job's 15 tasks, 2 of them on its own, while 11 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which patternmakers, metal and plastic tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Program computerized numerical control machine tools"; "Create computer models of patterns or parts, using modeling software".

Which patternmakers, metal and plastic tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers"; "Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns"; "Repair and rework templates and patterns".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Not much yet. None of the job's tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude in April–May 2026, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as patternmakers, metal and plastic, and what do they earn?

About 1,470 people in the US, with median pay of $58,000 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

Task by task

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Questions about patternmakers, metal and plastic and AI

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