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.
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. The role reports a median annual salary of $61,870 in the US and is projected to decline by 5% over the next decade. Entry typically requires a High school diploma or equivalent, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.55 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include Mathematics, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving, Quality Control Analysis.
Pay in the UK
UK: median £32,207 a year for Sheet metal workers (ONS ASHE 2025, full-time)
UK jobs are grouped differently; this is the closest UK occupation group (ONS SOC 2020 5211). ONS rates this estimate reasonably precise. 2025 provisional figures; ONS revises them a year later. Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Open Government Licence)
Pay in India (occupation group)
Average monthly earnings of salaried employees in the occupation group “Craft and related trades workers” in India, from the Government of India's Periodic Labour Force Survey (January–December 2025). It covers everyone in this group, not only Layout workers, metal and plastic, and it is not US pay converted to rupees.
Source: MoSPI (Government of India), Periodic Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2025, Table 51 — average wage/salary earnings of regular wage/salaried employees, NCO-2015 division 7. Official India data gives one average per occupation group: there are no official India figures for single careers, experience levels or cities. Read the report
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- Mathematics
- Design
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Building and Construction
- Administration and Management
What you'd actually do
- 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.
Tools & technology you'd use
Frequently asked questions
What does Layout workers, metal and plastic 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.
How much does Layout workers, metal and plastic earn?
The median annual salary for Layout workers, metal and plastic in the US is $61,870.
What is the job outlook for Layout workers, metal and plastic?
The role is projected to decline by 5% over the next decade. Current US employment is approximately 5,700 workers.
How do I become layout workers, metal and plastic?
The typical entry education is a High school diploma or equivalent. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Layout workers, metal and plastic need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include Mathematics, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving, Quality Control Analysis, Reading Comprehension. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Layout workers, metal and plastic?
Our AI-durability model gives Layout workers, metal and plastic a score of 0.55 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Layout workers, metal and plastic has low barrier to entry — generally accessible — you can enter with basic credentials and on-the-job learning.