What is a metal model maker and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a metal model maker. For example, did you know that they make an average of $19.95 an hour? That's $41,500 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -5% and produce -45,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreMetal Model MakerUS Average
Salary
3.2

Avg. Salary $41,500

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
8.4

Growth Rate -5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.86%

Asian 6.82%

Black or African American 9.49%

Hispanic or Latino 11.79%

Unknown 4.29%

White 66.75%

Gender

female 11.54%

male 88.46%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress Level
8.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.7

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.4

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a metal model maker

  1. Explore metal model maker education requirements

    Most common metal model maker degrees

    Associate

    37.8 %

    High School Diploma

    32.4 %

    Bachelor's

    24.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific metal model maker skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Prototype26.94%
    MIG24.46%
    Spot Welding14.56%
    TIG9.51%
    CNC9.28%
  3. Complete relevant metal model maker training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 4-10 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New metal model makers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a metal model maker based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real metal model maker resumes.
  4. Research metal model maker duties and responsibilities

    • Used other forms of welding such as silver soldering, brazing, and plastic welding.
    • Set up and operate standard equipment such as lathes, mills, CNC machines, and other precision equipment.
    • Coordinate international sample/model making for costume jewelry
    • Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.
  5. Apply for metal model maker jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a metal model maker job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Metal Model Maker Job

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Average metal model maker salary

The average Metal Model Maker salary in the United States is $41,500 per year or $20 per hour. Metal model maker salaries range between $29,000 and $58,000 per year.

Average Metal Model Maker Salary
$41,500 Yearly
$19.95 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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