Model maker apprentice vs pattern finisher

The differences between model maker apprentices 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 maker apprentice and a pattern finisher. Additionally, a model maker apprentice has an average salary of $45,077, which is higher than the $33,234 average annual salary of a pattern finisher.

The top three skills for a model maker apprentice include grinders, MIG and . The most important skills for a pattern finisher are hand tools, wax patterns, and quality standards.

Model maker apprentice vs pattern finisher overview

	Model Maker Apprentice	Pattern Finisher
Yearly salary	$45,077	$33,234
Hourly rate	$21.67	$15.98
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	13,744	2,106
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Associate Degree, 40%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	4	4

Model maker apprentice vs pattern finisher salary

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

	Model Maker Apprentice	Pattern Finisher
Average salary	$45,077	$33,234
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $65,000	Between $26,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between model maker apprentice and pattern finisher education

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

	Model Maker Apprentice	Pattern Finisher
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Associate Degree, 40%
Most common major	Business	Graphic Design
Most common college	-	-

Model maker apprentice vs pattern finisher demographics

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

	Model Maker Apprentice	Pattern Finisher
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6%	Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0%
Race ratio	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%	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 maker apprentice and pattern finisher duties and responsibilities

Model maker apprentice example responsibilities.

Coordinate international sample/model making for costume jewelry
Order all shop expend materials on in house computer system (AS400).

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 maker apprentice vs pattern finisher skills

Common model maker apprentice skills

Grinders, 52%
MIG, 48%

Common pattern finisher skills

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

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Model Maker Apprentice
Model Maker Apprentice vs Pattern Finisher

Updated January 8, 2025

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