Model builder vs pattern finisher

The differences between model builders and pattern finishers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a model builder and a pattern finisher. Additionally, a model builder has an average salary of $73,763, which is higher than the $33,234 average annual salary of a pattern finisher.

The top three skills for a model builder include prototyping, revit and CNC. The most important skills for a pattern finisher are hand tools, wax patterns, and quality standards.

Model builder vs pattern finisher overview

	Model Builder	Pattern Finisher
Yearly salary	$73,763	$33,234
Hourly rate	$35.46	$15.98
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	3,273	2,106
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Associate Degree, 40%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	4	4

Model builder vs pattern finisher salary

Model builders and pattern finishers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Model Builder	Pattern Finisher
Average salary	$73,763	$33,234
Salary range	Between $44,000 And $121,000	Between $26,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between model builder and pattern finisher education

There are a few differences between a model builder and a pattern finisher in terms of educational background:

	Model Builder	Pattern Finisher
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Associate Degree, 40%
Most common major	Architecture	Graphic Design
Most common college	-	-

Model builder vs pattern finisher demographics

Here are the differences between model builders' and pattern finishers' demographics:

	Model Builder	Pattern Finisher
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 76.6% Female, 23.4%	Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 10.9% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 6.7% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between model builder and pattern finisher duties and responsibilities

Model builder example 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.

Pattern finisher example responsibilities.

Develop patterns using AutoCAD while working closely with manufacturing to ensure the customer order is processed accurately with minimum lead time.
Follow and demonstrate the significance of FDA code of regulations during audits to identify recommendations and non-conformances.

Model builder vs pattern finisher skills

Common model builder skills

Prototyping, 78%
Revit, 10%
CNC, 3%
Hand Tools, 2%
Autocad, 2%
Drill Press, 1%

Common pattern finisher skills

Hand Tools, 82%
WAX Patterns, 11%
Quality Standards, 7%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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