Layout Workers


Overview

Layout Workers

Introduction

The layout worker is a highly skilled specialist who marks metal castings, forgings, or metal stock to indicate where and how much machining is needed. By marking lines and points on the metal, these workers instruct the machinists and machine operators on how to shape it. Layout workers also lay out automotive panels to make quality control checks for consistency. There are approximately 8,400 layout workers in the United States.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$47,900

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Employment Prospects

Poor

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Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma|Apprenticeship


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Experience

Apprenticeship


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Skills

Math|Mechanical/Manual Dexterity|Scientific


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Personality Traits

Hands On|Problem-Solving|Technical

Earnings

Although earnings of layout workers vary according to where they live and which part of the industry they are employed, their averages compare favorably with those of other skilled factory workers. Median annual earnings for layout workers were $47,900 in May 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Salaries ranged from less than $28,860 to $64,280 or more. Overtime is common in the ind...

Work Environment

Most layout workers are employed indoors in machine shops that—though fairly clean, properly lighted, and well ventilated—can be very noisy at times. Although layout work is not physically strenuous, workers must stand for most of the working day. They often wear special shoes to reduce foot fatigue. In addition, safety glasses are required since cutting tools, moving machine parts, and flying ...

Outlook

Employment of layout workers is expected to decline by 8 percent through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The use of automation and technological developments in this field, such as numerically controlled machine tools, has increased productivity while decreasing the workforce. Most job openings will occur as a result of workers retiring or otherwise leaving the field. In recent...