Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for model makers, metal and plastic in the United States was $63,340 ($30.45 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $39,760 | $19.12 |
| 25th | $47,360 | $22.77 |
| Median | $63,340 | $30.45 |
| 75th | $86,740 | $41.70 |
| 90th | $99,010 | $47.60 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 51-4061
- Total U.S. employment: 2,610
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
What the data says
The mean wage of $68,570 sits 8.3% above the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average up.
With approximately 2,610 model makers, metal and plastic employed, this is a modest occupation in the labor market.
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $92,960 | $44.69 | +46.8% | 260 |
| Florida | $79,930 | $38.43 | +26.2% | 50 |
| Illinois | $68,890 | $33.12 | +8.8% | 0 |
| Indiana | $62,620 | $30.11 | -1.1% | 50 |
| Iowa | $61,550 | $29.59 | -2.8% | 40 |
| Massachusetts | $67,830 | $32.61 | +7.1% | 100 |
| Michigan | $60,540 | $29.11 | -4.4% | 710 |
| New Jersey | $72,340 | $34.78 | +14.2% | 70 |
| New York | $77,710 | $37.36 | +22.7% | 120 |
| North Carolina | $45,760 | $22.00 | -27.8% | 0 |
| Ohio | $60,880 | $29.27 | -3.9% | 60 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,990 | $25.48 | -16.3% | 40 |
| Rhode Island | $55,560 | $26.71 | -12.3% | 40 |
| Texas | $65,920 | $31.69 | +4.1% | 230 |
| Utah | $53,650 | $25.79 | -15.3% | 60 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Managers, All Other — $141,900/yr
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education — $64,370/yr
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers — $79,860/yr
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers — $48,570/yr
- Medical and Health Services Managers — $123,860/yr
- Packers and Packagers, Hand — $36,280/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for model makers, metal and plastic?
The median annual wage for model makers, metal and plastic is $63,340 ($30.45 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays model makers, metal and plastic the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many model makers, metal and plastic are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 2,610 model makers, metal and plastic employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do model makers, metal and plastic make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $30.45. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.