How to hire a metal model maker

Metal model maker hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring metal model makers in the United States:

In the United States, the median cost per hire a metal model maker is $1,633.
It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new metal model maker to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a metal model maker, step by step

To hire a metal model maker, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a metal model maker:

Here's a step-by-step metal model maker hiring guide:

Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
Step 3: Make a budget
Step 4: Write a metal model maker job description
Step 5: Post your job
Step 6: Interview candidates
Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new metal model maker
Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post a metal model maker job for free, promote it for a fee

Identify your hiring needs

The metal model maker hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

Determine employee vs contractor status

Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

A metal model maker's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, metal model makers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

This list presents metal model maker salaries for various positions.

Type of Metal Model Maker	Description	Hourly rate
Metal Model Maker	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$13-27
Metal Fabricator	A metal fabricator manipulates metal for construction and manufacturing companies. They are required to cut, shape, position and align different metals... Show more	$13-23
Model Builder	A model builder builds models or miniatures from kits or from their own materials and components. A model builder constructs models using data from past events... Show more	$21-58

Create an ideal candidate profile
Common skills:
- Prototype
- MIG
- Spot Welding
- TIG
- CNC
- Lathe Operation
- Non-Ferrous Metals
- Band Saws
- CMM
- Micrometers
- Jigs
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.
Make a budget
Including a salary range in your metal model maker job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A metal model maker salary can vary based on several factors:
- Location. For example, metal model makers' average salary in south dakota is 48% less than in new mexico.
- Seniority. Entry-level metal model makers earn 50% less than senior-level metal model makers.
- Certifications. A metal model maker with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
- Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a metal model maker's salary.
Average metal model maker salary
$41,500yearly
$19.95 hourly rate
Entry-level metal model maker salary
$29,000 yearly salary
Updated December 23, 2025
Writing a metal model maker job description
A good metal model maker job description should include a few things:
- Summary of the role
- List of responsibilities
- Required skills and experience
Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a metal model maker job description:
Metal model maker job description example
- U.S. Department of Labor Completion of Apprenticeship Certificate as Metal Model Maker or six (6) years of documented experience as a Metal Model Maker
- Must be able to satisfactorily complete the General Motors hiring process requirements which include comprehensive assessments, hair drug testing, and a background check
- At least 18 years of age
- Eligible to work in the United States
- Must be willing to work flexible shift hours and day or afternoon shift as well as overtime hours daily and weekends on those shifts with little notice
Post your job
There are various strategies that you can use to find the right metal model maker for your business:
- Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
- Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
- Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
- Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
Post your job online:
- Post your metal model maker job on Zippia to find and recruit metal model maker candidates who meet your exact specifications.
- Use field-specific websites.
- Post a job on free websites.
Interview candidates
During your first interview to recruit metal model makers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.
It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.
The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.
Send a job offer and onboard your new metal model maker
Once you've found the metal model maker candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.
You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.
Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new metal model maker. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.
Go through the hiring process checklist
- Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
- Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
- Define job responsibilities and requirements
- Establish budget and timeline
- Determine hiring decision makers for the role
- Write job description
- Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
- Promote the job internally
- Process applications through applicant tracking system
- Review resumes and cover letters
- Shortlist candidates for screening
- Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
- Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
- Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
- Conduct background checks on top candidates
- Check references of top candidates
- Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
- Extend offer to top candidate(s)
- Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
- Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
- Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
- Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a metal model maker?

Hiring a metal model maker comes with both the one-time cost per hire and ongoing costs. The cost of recruiting metal model makers involves promoting the job and spending time conducting interviews. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider the cost of metal model maker recruiting as well the ongoing costs of maintaining the new employee.

Metal model makers earn a median yearly salary is $41,500 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find metal model makers for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $13 and $27.

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Updated December 23, 2025

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How to hire a metal model maker