Model makers, metal and plastic salary
| Measure | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,760 | $19.12 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $63,340 | $30.45 |
| Mean (average) | $68,570 | $32.97 |
| 90th percentile | $99,010 | $47.60 |
These wages describe everyone employed in the occupation, from new entrants to experienced workers. They are not starting salaries and not earnings of graduates from any particular program. Verified data
Model makers, metal and plastic pay by state and metro area
Table: median wage and employment for all 15 states and territories
| State | Median | 10th pct | 90th pct | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $92,960 | $59,800 | $153,640 | 260 | 0.85 |
| Florida | $79,930 | $38,640 | $106,990 | 50 | 0.31 |
| Illinois | $68,890 | $42,960 | $68,900 | ||
| Indiana | $62,620 | $34,910 | $73,340 | 50 | 0.97 |
| Iowa | $61,550 | $51,030 | $78,480 | 40 | 1.71 |
| Massachusetts | $67,830 | $52,000 | $105,680 | 100 | 1.62 |
| Michigan | $60,540 | $38,060 | $99,010 | 710 | 9.64 |
| New Jersey | $72,340 | $41,990 | $89,330 | 70 | 0.96 |
| New York | $77,710 | $62,030 | $107,120 | 120 | 0.71 |
| North Carolina | $45,760 | $39,710 | $60,630 | ||
| Ohio | $60,880 | $46,770 | $76,080 | 60 | 0.66 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,990 | $37,670 | $112,030 | 40 | 0.38 |
| Rhode Island | $55,560 | $34,440 | $78,890 | 40 | 5.13 |
| Texas | $65,920 | $38,630 | $102,990 | 230 | 0.98 |
| Utah | $53,650 | $39,760 | $94,360 | 60 | 2.12 |
A location quotient above 1 means the occupation is more concentrated in that state than in the nation overall.
Metro areas with the most jobs
Highest paying metro areas
Job outlook for model makers, metal and plastic
- Average annual openings, 2025 to 2035: 200. Openings include new jobs plus replacement needs when workers retire or leave the occupation. Official projection
- Read the official BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile.
These are official BLS projections. ConnectPrep does not alter them or present its own forecasts as official statistics.
Education and training for model makers, metal and plastic
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Related work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- O*NET Job Zone
- Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Highest education of people working in this occupation
O*NET describes this preparation level as: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Degrees and programs that lead to this career
Programs officially mapped to this occupation in the NCES and BLS CIP to SOC crosswalk. A mapping means the program commonly prepares students for the occupation, not that every graduate works in it. Official crosswalk
- Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking CIP 48.0506
Skills, knowledge, and daily work
Most important skills
Most important knowledge areas
Typical tasks
- Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
- Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
- Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
- Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
- Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
- Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
- Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
- Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
Technology skills
- Microsoft Excel (hot technology)
- Microsoft Office software (hot technology)
- Microsoft Word (hot technology)
- CNC Software Mastercam
- PTC Creo Parametric
Transferable skills for career changers: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Equipment Selection, Troubleshooting, Judgment and Decision Making.
Common job titles: CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer), Metal Model Maker, Model Builder, Model Maker, Model Maker Machinist, Model Technician (Model Tech), Molding Technician (Molding Tech), Pattern Finisher, Prototype Special Build.
Is it worth it? Model the cost of getting there
Use the ROI calculator to compare the cost of the education this career usually requires against staying on your current path. It starts from the official wage distribution above, and you can change every assumption.
Frequently asked questions
How much do model makers, metal and plastic make?
The national median annual wage for model makers, metal and plastic was $63,340 in May 2025, according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $39,760 and the highest paid 10 percent earned more than $99,010. These figures cover all workers in the occupation, not only new entrants.
What education do model makers, metal and plastic need?
BLS lists high school diploma or equivalent as the typical education needed to enter this occupation, with none of related work experience and moderate-term on-the-job training on-the-job training typically needed to become competent.
Is model makers, metal and plastic a growing career?
BLS projects employment of model makers, metal and plastic to change -17.3% from 2025 to 2035, compared with +3.5% for all occupations. About 200 openings are projected each year on average, including openings from workers who retire or change occupations.
Which states pay model makers, metal and plastic the most?
By median annual wage in May 2025, the highest paying states were California ($92,960), Florida ($79,930), New York ($77,710). Pay differences partly reflect differences in living costs.