Career comparison
CNC Machinist vs. Metal Patternmaker
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
CNC machinists earn more at the median ($58,750 vs. $58,000), while CNC machinists usually get to work faster (6–24 months of training). CNC machinists set up and run computer-controlled machines that cut precision metal parts. Metal patternmakers make the patterns foundries use to form casting molds.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| CNC Machinist | Metal Patternmaker | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $58,750 ($28.24/hr) | $58,000 ($27.89/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $39,200 – $80,010 | $42,460 – $82,590 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +1.0% (slower than average) | -22.8% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 26,100 | 100 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 6–24 months | Months to years of training |
| Key credential | NIMS credentials | AFS training |
| Work setting | Machinists work in machine shops and factories. | Patternmakers work in pattern shops and foundries.. |
What each job does
CNC Machinist
- Read blueprints, GD&T and setup sheets
- Set up CNC mills and lathes, including fixtures, tools and offsets
- Load programs and run machines
- Measure parts with precision instruments and adjust offsets
- Perform first-article and in-process inspections
Metal Patternmaker
- Read drawings
- Add shrink and draft
- Machine patterns
- Make core boxes
- Fit match plates
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, indoor work, working independently, and problem-solving. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose CNC machinist if…
- I enjoy precise, careful work
- I like math and measurements
- I’m comfortable around machines
Choose metal patternmaker if…
- I like precision craft
- I like foundries
- I like machining
Still torn? Take the CNC Machinist fit quiz and the Metal Patternmaker fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, CNC machinist or metal patternmaker?
CNC Machinists earn more at the median: $58,750 versus $58,000 for metal patternmakers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
CNC Machinists typically train faster (6–24 months) than metal patternmakers (Months to years of training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects CNC machinists to grow +1.0% from 2025–35, compared with -22.8% for metal patternmakers.