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Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Model Makers, Metal and Plastic make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$92,960
Median Annual Salary
▲ +19.2% vs 2024
$97,030
Mean Salary
$92,960
Median Salary
$44.69
Hourly Rate
260 people work as Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $59,800$59,80025th25% earn less than $73,530$73,530MedianHalf earn more than $92,960$92,96075th75% earn less than $107,000$107,00090thTop 10% earn more than $153,640$153,640

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California earn a median salary of $92,960 per year ($7,746/month). This is 42.4% above the national average of $65,275. California ranks #1 out of 15 states for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic pay. Approximately 260 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 19.2% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

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.

Top Skills

Operation and Control
3.62
Operations Monitoring
3.38
Monitoring
3.25
Quality Control Analysis
3.25
Critical Thinking
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Design
3.97
Mathematics
3.8
Engineering and Technology
3.44
Mechanical
3.31
Production and Processing
3.06

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California

Salaries for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California range from $59,800 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $153,640 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $73,530 and $107,000.

Median $92,960
P10: $59,800 P25: $73,530 P75: $107,000 P90: $153,640
10th
$59,800
25th
$73,530
Median
$92,960
75th
$107,000
90th
$153,640
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $59,800 $28.75 $4,983
25th Percentile $73,530 $35.35 $6,127
Median (50th) $92,960 $44.69 $7,746
75th Percentile $107,000 $51.44 $8,916
90th Percentile (Experienced) $153,640 $73.87 $12,803

Note: The mean (average) salary of $97,030 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#1
California ranks #1 of 15 states
$65,275
National avg. for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
+42.4%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Model Makers, Metal and Plastic salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Model Makers, Metal and Plastic take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Data in California

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Salary by State

Compare Model Makers, Metal and Plastic pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Model Makers, Metal and Plastic make in California?
The median annual salary for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California is $92,960 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $97,030.
What is the salary range for a Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California?
Salaries for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California range from $59,800 at the 10th percentile to $153,640 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $73,530 and $107,000.
What is the starting salary for a Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California?
Entry-level Model Makers, Metal and Plastic positions in California typically start around $59,800 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $73,530 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 260 people are employed as Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California is approximately $44.69 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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