Model Makers, Metal and Plastic salary in the U.S.
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in the U.S. earn a median of $63,340 a year ($30.45 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,610 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,760 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,010 for the top 10%. The average (mean) salary is $68,570, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for model makers, metal and plastic in the U.S.
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,760 | $19.12 |
| 25th percentile | $47,360 | $22.77 |
| Median | $63,340 | $30.45 |
| 75th percentile | $86,740 | $41.70 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $99,010 | $47.60 |
| Average (mean) | $68,570 | $32.97 |
Half of model makers, metal and plastic earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,278.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,639.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,436.15 |
| Weekly | $1,218.08 |
| Hourly | $30.45 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic salary by state
| State | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| California | $92,960 | 260 |
| Florida | $79,930 | 50 |
| New York | $77,710 | 120 |
| New Jersey | $72,340 | 70 |
| Illinois | $68,890 | n/a |
| Massachusetts | $67,830 | 100 |
| Texas | $65,920 | 230 |
| Indiana | $62,620 | 50 |
| Iowa | $61,550 | 40 |
| Ohio | $60,880 | 60 |
| Michigan | $60,540 | 710 |
| Rhode Island | $55,560 | 40 |
| Utah | $53,650 | 60 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,990 | 40 |
| North Carolina | $45,760 | n/a |
Best-paying metro areas for model makers, metal and plastic
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $94,950 | 120 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $89,960 | 70 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $84,780 | 40 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $81,110 | 490 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $77,710 | 80 |
| Rochester, NY | $76,520 | 40 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $70,980 | 60 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $68,890 | n/a |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $58,500 | 60 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $45,760 | n/a |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $44,220 | 70 |
Metro areas with the most model makers, metal and plastic
| Metro area | Workers | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 490 | $81,110 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 120 | $94,950 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 80 | $77,710 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 70 | $89,960 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | 70 | $44,220 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 60 | $70,980 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 60 | $58,500 |
| Rochester, NY | 40 | $76,520 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 40 | $84,780 |
Related jobs in the U.S.
More: Production Occupations
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-4061. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a model makers, metal and plastic make in the U.S.?
The median salary for model makers, metal and plastic in the U.S. is $63,340 a year, or $30.45 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,760 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,010 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid model makers, metal and plastic make in the U.S.?
The top 10% of model makers, metal and plastic in the U.S. earn at least $99,010 a year. The top 25% earn $86,740 or more.
What is the starting pay for model makers, metal and plastic in the U.S.?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,760 a year, and a quarter of model makers, metal and plastic earn $47,360 or less.
How many model makers, metal and plastic work in the U.S.?
About 2,610 model makers, metal and plastic are employed in the U.S., not counting the self-employed.