Model Makers, Metal and Plastic salary in California
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California earn a median of $92,960 a year ($44.69 an hour), based on BLS data for 260 workers.
Pay ranges from $59,800 for the lowest-paid 10% to $153,640 for the top 10%. That is 47% higher than the national median of $63,340. California ranks 1st of 15 states for model makers, metal and plastic pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.01 model makers, metal and plastic per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $97,030, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for model makers, metal and plastic in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $59,800 | $28.75 |
| 25th percentile | $73,530 | $35.35 |
| Median | $92,960 | $44.69 |
| 75th percentile | $107,000 | $51.44 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $153,640 | $73.86 |
| Average (mean) | $97,030 | $46.65 |
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 | $7,746.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,873.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,575.38 |
| Weekly | $1,787.69 |
| Hourly | $44.69 |
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 in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $94,950 | 120 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $84,780 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for model makers, metal and plastic
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $92,960 |
| Florida | $79,930 |
| New York | $77,710 |
| New Jersey | $72,340 |
| Illinois | $68,890 |
| Massachusetts | $67,830 |
| Texas | $65,920 |
| Indiana | $62,620 |
| Iowa | $61,550 |
| Ohio | $60,880 |
Related jobs in California
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 California?
The median salary for model makers, metal and plastic in California is $92,960 a year, or $44.69 an hour. Pay ranges from $59,800 for the lowest-paid 10% to $153,640 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid model makers, metal and plastic make in California?
The top 10% of model makers, metal and plastic in California earn at least $153,640 a year. The top 25% earn $107,000 or more.
What is the starting pay for model makers, metal and plastic in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $59,800 a year, and a quarter of model makers, metal and plastic earn $73,530 or less.
How many model makers, metal and plastic work in California?
About 260 model makers, metal and plastic are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.