How to hire a model builder

How to hire a model builder, step by step

Here's a step-by-step model builder hiring guide:

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

Post a model builder job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a model builder, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a model builder to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a model builder that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of model builders and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Model Builder	Description	Hourly rate
   Model Builder	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$21-58
   Model Maker	A model maker is a specialist in creating three-dimensional scale models of product blueprints, drawings or CAD designs using materials such as wood or plastics. They should be able to accurately interpret and visualize preliminary designs and create models that are an accurate representation of the designs... Show more	$15-33
   Builder	Builders are responsible for managing, coordinating, and working on the construction. They are also responsible for repairing and maintaining commercial and residential buildings... Show more	$11-21

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Prototyping
   • Revit
   • CNC
   • Hand Tools
   • Autocad
   • Drill Press
   • Scale Models
   • Laser Cutting
   • Lego
   • Architectural Models
   • Google Earth
   • MEP

   Responsibilities:

   • Weld, using both MIG and TIG technologies.
   • Require to read logic to trouble shoot Siemens and Allen Bradley PLC's.
   • Operate sanders, laths, mills, drill press, CNC machines and various power tools.
   • Provide prototype display, design engineering and concept models for functional design testing
   • Coordinate with teams of various trades (MEP, etc . )
   • Build tooling for the aerospace industry.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your model builder job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A model builder can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, model builders' average salary in hawaii is 62% less than in michigan.
   • Seniority. Entry-level model builders 64% less than senior-level model builders.
   • Certifications. A model builder with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a model builder's salary.

   Average model builder salary

   $73,763yearly

   $35.46 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level model builder salary

   $44,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 21, 2026

4. Writing a model builder job description

   A model builder job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a model builder job description:

   Model builder job description example

   
   22WD63083
   
   Position Overview We are seeking a highly motivated person to join the Anaplan Forecast and Planning team to help shape the future of connected forecasting and planning for FP&A. The Anaplan Model Builder is an in key role in Autodesk's Global Operations and Finance area and is responsible for the successful design, build and implementation of Anaplan-based solutions. The ideal candidate is a team player who possesses strong analytical skills, has experience building financial models and enjoys solving and streamlining complex business problems. A successful candidate enjoys detailed and challenging puzzles, thrives in a fast-paced dynamic environment, and possesses the aptitude to work independently. The ability to ask inquisitive questions to improve financial business processes and solution those with business stakeholders is essential.
   
   Autodesk is looking for a passionate and driven individual that wants to be part of a fast-moving company transforming how it delivers value to its customers through connected forecast and planning.
   Responsibilities
   Translate existing solutions, spreadsheets, and business problems into sophisticated Anaplan multi-dimensional models Maintain existing Anaplan models with a focus on continuous improvement, incorporating new functionality and fixing issues in production to support business objectives and initiatives Write model documentation to capture requirements, design solutions, deployment and run state activities Participate in data integration efforts between internal systems and Anaplan Monitor and validate data flows to and from Anaplan platform Provide candid, meaningful feedback, communication and progress updates to the business model owner and project team Participate and/or lead UAT testing and deployment with project team Provide hands-on training to end users to facilitate adoption of the Anaplan model Utilize and share Anaplan model building best practices Estimate level of effort and prioritize your backlog of work in a way that satisfies stakeholder and team expectations
   
   The Ideal Candidate
   We're after a smart model builder who can speak in the language of the business, influence and advise on process optimization opportunities, and develop those improvements in Anaplan. If you're a good candidate, you will have:
   Real life experience that turned you into an FP&A subject matter expert in planning and modeling for Finance Experience working in highly-iterative software-focused work practices - Lean, Agile, Anaplan Way. You understand the principles of them but aren't married to any particular methodology Be someone that has walked-the-walk and has a strong FP&A background with the technical chops building solutions with Excel, Anaplan, SAP BPC, Planful, Jedox or other cloud solutions Demonstrate a good “credit history” of paying down technical debt. Forecasting and planning via software that is connected to a variety of different systems and platforms isn't easy, and you've shown you know how to do it A keen sense for problem solving. Excellent quantitative and analytical skills. High attention to detail and scrutiny of discrepancies that sparks conversations to develop better solutions Adaptability to work in a large team, small team, independently, remote and in-person Hungry to learn and adopt Anaplan's ever-evolving best practices Learned how to learn. You have an undergrad degree in finance, business, or engineering or have a combination of other education and equivalent work Excellent communication skills with the ability to switch contexts between highly technical and business-focused topics quickly and easily Someone that embraces diversity, and values people not just for what they do but who they are Actively foster an environment where people can bring their authentic selves to work Speak up with divergent views in productive ways and comes prepared to difficult conversations with solutions in mind
   
   Target Pay for this Position (Colorado): 100k
   
   At Autodesk, we're building a diverse workplace and an inclusive culture to give more people the chance to imagine, design, and make a better world. Autodesk is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic. We also consider for employment all qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.
   
   Are you an existing contractor or consultant with Autodesk? Please search for open jobs and apply internally (not on this external site). If you have any questions or require support, contact Autodesk Careers.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right model builder for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with model builders they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit model builders who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your model builder job on Zippia to find and recruit model builder candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit model builders, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates 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.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new model builder

   Once you have selected a candidate for the model builder position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. 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.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a model builder?