Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.
National median · BLS
$63,340
▲ +1.02%YoY
H-1B sponsor median
—
Too few H-1B filings
Average salary · BLS
$68,570
Mean annual wage
U.S. employment
2,610
Jobs (BLS)
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Pay range for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Annual base pay at each percentile. BLS covers all U.S. workers in this occupation.
Percentile
All U.S. workers (BLS)
10th — entry pay
$39,760
25th
$47,360
Median (50th)
$63,340
75th
$86,740
90th — top pay
$99,010
Hourly ⇄ annual pay
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Monthly—
Every 2 weeks—
Weekly—
Daily—
Based on
hrs/week ×
weeks/year
= 2,080 hrs
Projections 2025–2035
Job outlook for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
BLS projects employment of model makers, metal and plastic to decline 17.3% from 2025 to 2035, while employment across all occupations grows 3.5%.
About 200 openings are projected each year, on average, from new jobs and from replacing workers who retire or move to other occupations.
Jobs 2025 → 2035
2,600 → 2,200
-500 jobs
Projected change
-17.3%
All occupations: +3.5%
Openings per year
200
Average, 2025–2035
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
No related experience required
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Preparation needed (O*NET Job Zone 3)
Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
BLS state medians, plus the same figure adjusted for local prices (BEA Regional Price Parities). Tap a state for its full range and H-1B pay.
State
Median
Jobs
Cost-adjusted
Profile
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic salaries by metro area
Search by city, ZIP code or metro name. Tap a metro for its full range.
Metro area
Median
Jobs
Cost-adjusted
Profile
Skills & tools
Skills needed for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
How important each skill and knowledge area is for this job, rated by O*NET on a 1–5 scale from surveys of workers and occupational analysts.
Top skills
Operation and Control3.6
Operations Monitoring3.5
Critical Thinking3.3
Quality Control Analysis3.3
Monitoring3.1
Equipment Selection3.0
Judgment and Decision Making3.0
Time Management3.0
Troubleshooting3.0
Reading Comprehension2.9
Top knowledge areas
Mechanical4.3
Mathematics4.0
Production and Processing3.9
Design3.9
Engineering and Technology3.8
Computers and Electronics2.9
Sales and Marketing2.7
Customer and Personal Service2.6
Software and technology used
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordCNC Software MastercamPTC Creo Parametric
Highlighted = in demand: frequently listed in employer job postings for this occupation (O*NET).
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
About the job
What model makers, metal and plastic do
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.
Also called
CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist)Model BuilderModel MakerMolding Technician (Molding Tech)CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer)Metal Model MakerModel Maker MachinistModel Technician (Model Tech)Pattern FinisherPrototype Special Build
More job titles for this occupation (35)
Aircraft Mockup BuilderAppliances Sample MakerAuto Manufacturing Model Maker (Automotive Manufacturing Model Maker)Clock and Watch Model MakerCNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator)DioramistDisplay MakerEngineering Model MakerFabricatorFirearms Model MakerFluorescent Lighting Model MakerForm BuilderInjection Mold Technician (Injection Mold Tech)Injection Mold Tooling Technician (Injection Mold Tooling Tech)Jig and Fixture BuilderMandrel MakerMetal Mockup MakerMetal Model BuilderMockup BuilderMockup MakerModelerMold Tooling Technician (Mold Tooling Tech)Plastic Jig and Fixture BuilderPlastic ModelerProcess Mold Technician (Process Mold Tech)Product BuilderPrototype FabricatorPrototype Model MakerPrototyperScale Model MakerTemplate MakerTool BuilderTool MakerTooling Technician (Tooling Tech)Welding Prototype Operator
Source: O*NET 31.0 (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0). These are general job titles, not H-1B filings; for titles employers actually filed, see “Job titles” above.
Similar jobs and how they pay
Occupations O*NET lists as closely related to Model Makers, Metal and Plastic, with BLS national medians compared with this occupation's $63,340.
