Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Salary
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic earn a median $63,340 a year nationally. Production Occupations
What model makers, metal and plastic do
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- -17.3% (declining)
- Openings per year
- 200
Employment of model makers, metal and plastic is projected to shrink 17.3% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 200 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$5,421
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,927
- Medicare (1.45%)$918
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$53,074
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,760 | $19.12 | $34,127 |
| 25th percentile | $47,360 | $22.77 | $40,234 |
| Median (50th) | $63,340 | $30.45 | $53,074 |
| 75th percentile | $86,740 | $41.70 | $69,852 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $99,010 | $47.60 | $78,484 |
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $92,960 | +19.2% | $68,603 | $59,800 – $153,640 | 260 |
| Florida | $79,930 | +18.2% | $65,061 | $38,640 – $106,990 | 50 |
| New York | $77,710 | +5.2% | $59,900 | $62,030 – $107,120 | 120 |
| New Jersey | $72,340 | +68.2% | $57,272 | $41,990 – $89,330 | 70 |
| Illinois | $68,890 | +3.3% | $54,029 | $42,960 – $68,900 | — |
| Massachusetts | $67,830 | +3.4% | $53,377 | $52,000 – $105,680 | 100 |
| Texas | $65,920 | +43.7% | $55,147 | $38,630 – $102,990 | 230 |
| Indiana | $62,620 | +4.7% | $50,677 | $34,910 – $73,340 | 50 |
| Iowa | $61,550 | +17.5% | $49,948 | $51,030 – $78,480 | 40 |
| Ohio | $60,880 | −11.2% | $50,205 | $46,770 – $76,080 | 60 |
| Michigan | $60,540 | +2.4% | $48,502 | $38,060 – $99,010 | 710 |
| Rhode Island | $55,560 | +66.7% | $45,356 | $34,440 – $78,890 | 40 |
| Utah | $53,650 | +3.3% | $43,840 | $39,760 – $94,360 | 60 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,990 | — | $43,131 | $37,670 – $112,030 | 40 |
| North Carolina | $45,760 | −2.0% | $37,631 | $39,710 – $60,630 | — |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic | $58,000 | High school diploma or equivalent | -22.8% |
| Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic | $63,870 | High school diploma or equivalent | -3.4% |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 | Postsecondary nondegree award | -9.2% |
| Machinist | $58,750 | High school diploma or equivalent | +1.0% |
| Metal-Refining Furnace Operator and Tender | $54,430 | High school diploma or equivalent | -2.9% |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $53,750 | High school diploma or equivalent | +2.4% |
| Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $52,800 | High school diploma or equivalent | -13.2% |
| Pourers and Casters, Metal | $51,810 | High school diploma or equivalent | -5.0% |
| Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $50,620 | High school diploma or equivalent | -11.3% |
| Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $50,140 | High school diploma or equivalent | -8.3% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a model makers, metal and plastic make?
The national median salary for model makers, metal and plastic is $63,340 a year ($30.45 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $39,760 and the top 10% earn over $99,010. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays model makers, metal and plastic the most?
California has the highest median pay at $92,960.
How many model makers, metal and plastic are there in the U.S.?
About 2,610 people work as model makers, metal and plastic nationwide.