Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Salary
The median model makers, metal and plastic salary in the United States is $63,340 per year ($30.45/hour). Salaries range from $39,760 at the entry level to $99,010+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 2,610 model makers, metal and plastic jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to decline 18.2% through 2034.
Last updated: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Salary
$63,340
per year
Hourly Rate
$30.45
per hour
Employment
2,610
jobs in the U.S.
Salary Distribution
10th percentile
$39,760
25th percentile
$47,360
Median
$63,340
75th percentile
$86,740
90th percentile
$99,010
Job Growth (2024-2034)
-18.2%
Decline
Annual Openings
300
jobs/year (growth + replacements)
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Training Needed
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Salary by State
Best Cities (cost-adjusted) →Salary Map — Click a state for details
$46K$93K■ No data
Top Paying States
California
$93K
+47%
Florida
$80K
+26%
New York
$78K
+23%
New Jersey
$72K
+14%
Illinois
$69K
+9%
Massachusetts
$68K
+7%
Texas
$66K
+4%
Indiana
$63K
-1%
Iowa
$62K
-3%
Ohio
$61K
-4%
Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.
| State | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $92,960 | +46.8% |
| Florida | $79,930 | +26.2% |
| New York | $77,710 | +22.7% |
| New Jersey | $72,340 | +14.2% |
| Illinois | $68,890 | +8.8% |
| Massachusetts | $67,830 | +7.1% |
| Texas | $65,920 | +4.1% |
| Indiana | $62,620 | -1.1% |
| Iowa | $61,550 | -2.8% |
| Ohio | $60,880 | -3.9% |
Showing 1–10 of 15
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $94,950 | +49.9% |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $89,960 | +42.0% |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $84,780 | +33.8% |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $81,110 | +28.1% |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $77,710 | +22.7% |
| Rochester, NY | $76,520 | +20.8% |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $70,980 | +12.1% |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $68,890 | +8.8% |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $58,500 | -7.6% |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $45,760 | -27.8% |
Showing 1–10 of 11
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Data reflects the most recent annual survey.
How does this compare to pro athletes?
A model makers, metal and plastic earning $63,340/year would need 941 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 1010 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.
See all sports & celebrity salaries →📈 See how model makers, metal and plastic salaries have changed over the past decade.
View Model Makers, Metal and Plastic salary trend (2011–2024) →