How much does a model maker make?
Answer: A typical model maker in the United States makes $63,340 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 3,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Model maker pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $39,760 | $63,340 | $99,010 | about 3,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $60,540 | about 710 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experienced makers and people with in-demand skills, such as CNC programming, may earn more. Pay can also change with the employer’s industry and location.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a model maker do?
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.
What's a typical day like?
They read a blueprint, set up a lathe, mill, or CNC machine, and shape metal or plastic into a prototype. Then they measure and test each part, smooth or adjust it, and discuss fixes with engineers.
How to get this job
In the U.S., start with high school; math, programming, and shop classes help, and vocational or community-college courses can teach machining and CNC. Then train with experienced workers—often for one to two years—or pursue a related apprenticeship.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
U.S. model makers may use a 3D printer—not just a lathe or milling machine—to make a model or prototype.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Production jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/OOH/production/metal-and-plastic-machine-workers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/51-4061.00
- www.onetonline.org/skills/zone/51-4061.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes514061.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/print/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY