Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Salary
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic earn a median $63,340 a year nationally. Production Occupations
U.S. median
$63,340
$30.45 per hour
Range
$39,760 – $99,010
10th to 90th percentile
Employed
2,610
across the U.S.
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
Your take-home pay
$53,074
per year · effective tax rate 16.2%
$4,423Monthly
$2,211Twice a month
$2,041Every 2 weeks
$25.52Hourly
- 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 |
Best cities for model makers, metal and plastic (after tax & cost of living)
| # | Metro area | Median | Take-home | Real value* | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Detroit, MI | $81,110 | $62,694 | $62,508 | 490 |
*Take-home pay in U.S.-average dollars (BEA Regional Price Parities).
Highest-paying cities
- Detroit, MI — $81,110
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic salary by state
| State | Median | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $92,960 | $68,603 | $59,800 – $153,640 | 260 |
| Florida | $79,930 | $65,061 | $38,640 – $106,990 | 50 |
| New York | $77,710 | $59,900 | $62,030 – $107,120 | 120 |
| New Jersey | $72,340 | $57,272 | $41,990 – $89,330 | 70 |
| Illinois | $68,890 | $54,029 | $42,960 – $68,900 | — |
| Massachusetts | $67,830 | $53,377 | $52,000 – $105,680 | 100 |
| Texas | $65,920 | $55,147 | $38,630 – $102,990 | 230 |
| Indiana | $62,620 | $50,677 | $34,910 – $73,340 | 50 |
| Iowa | $61,550 | $49,948 | $51,030 – $78,480 | 40 |
| Ohio | $60,880 | $50,205 | $46,770 – $76,080 | 60 |
| Michigan | $60,540 | $48,502 | $38,060 – $99,010 | 710 |
| Rhode Island | $55,560 | $45,356 | $34,440 – $78,890 | 40 |
| Utah | $53,650 | $43,840 | $39,760 – $94,360 | 60 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,990 | $43,131 | $37,670 – $112,030 | 40 |
| North Carolina | $45,760 | $37,631 | $39,710 – $60,630 | — |
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. After taxes and local prices, Detroit, MI offers the best real take-home pay of any metro area.
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.