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.

Also called: Development Mechanic, Layout Fabricator, Layout Fitter, Layout Inspector, Layout Man, Layout Mechanic, Layout Technician (Layout Tech), Layout Worker, Aircraft Lay Out Worker, Bellmaker, Dimensional Inspector, Duplicator, Hangersmith, Lay-Out Worker, Location and Measurement Technician, Machine Lay Out Worker, Marine Fitter, Marine Shipfitter, Pattern Layout Worker, Pattern Setter, Plate Fitter, Plate Hanger, Precision Layout Worker, Propeller Layout Worker, Ship Erector, Ship Fitter, Shipfitter, Solid Surface Fabricator, Surface Fabricator

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.
Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly.
Lift and position workpieces in relation to surface plates, manually or with hoists, and using parallel blocks and angle plates.
Design and prepare templates of wood, paper, or metal.

Skills, machines and equipment

Mathematics
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Complex Problem Solving
Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Judgment and Decision Making
Active Listening
Speaking
Coordination
Operation and Control

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (60.01% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

50,910–79,470 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 51-4192.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop die setup, press troubleshooting, tooling, and process-control experience; explore senior setup or team-lead responsibilities.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (60.01% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic