Model Makers (Metal and Plastic) Salary by State
The national median pay for model makers (metal and plastic) is $63,340 a year. By state, it ranges from $45,760 in North Carolina to $92,960 in California.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $39,760
- 25th percentile
- $47,360
- Median
- $63,340
- 75th percentile
- $86,740
- Top 10%
- $99,010
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 2,610 jobs.
Median pay in 15 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $92,960 | +47% | $59,800 | $153,640 | 260 |
| 2 | Florida | $79,930 | +26% | $38,640 | $106,990 | 50 |
| 3 | New York | $77,710 | +23% | $62,030 | $107,120 | 120 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $72,340 | +14% | $41,990 | $89,330 | 70 |
| 5 | Illinois | $68,890 | +9% | $42,960 | $68,900 | Not published |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $67,830 | +7% | $52,000 | $105,680 | 100 |
| 7 | Texas | $65,920 | +4% | $38,630 | $102,990 | 230 |
| 8 | Indiana | $62,620 | −1% | $34,910 | $73,340 | 50 |
| 9 | Iowa | $61,550 | −3% | $51,030 | $78,480 | 40 |
| 10 | Ohio | $60,880 | −4% | $46,770 | $76,080 | 60 |
| 11 | Michigan | $60,540 | −4% | $38,060 | $99,010 | 710 |
| 12 | Rhode Island | $55,560 | −12% | $34,440 | $78,890 | 40 |
| 13 | Utah | $53,650 | −15% | $39,760 | $94,360 | 60 |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | $52,990 | −16% | $37,670 | $112,030 | 40 |
| 15 | North Carolina | $45,760 | −28% | $39,710 | $60,630 | Not published |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Model Makers (Metal and Plastic) salary questions
Which state pays model makers (metal and plastic) the most?
California, with a median of $92,960 a year (+47% vs. the national median of $63,340). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays model makers (metal and plastic) the least?
North Carolina, with a median of $45,760 a year (−28% vs. national).
Where do most model makers (metal and plastic) work?
Michigan has the most jobs, about 710, with a median of $60,540.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.