What is a Model Maker?
The model maker doesn't work with the human kind of models, but with inanimate ones. They are a crucial step in the manufacturing process between design and production. Model makers make models of a product in order for the team to test the design and see possible improvements more tangibly than on a blueprint.
The kinds of models a model maker makes depends on where they work. They can work for a technological manufacturer making models of their phones or for a film studio making models of sets and special effects. No matter where they work, model makers need to know how to use tools like welders, lathes, and even software such as CAD (computer-aided design).
Model making doesn't use a lot of skills that can be learned in the classroom. Only a few model makers have bachelor's degrees, although some may complete a special training program or certification. They learn how to use the tools of the trade on the job.
What Does a Model Maker Do
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.
How To Become a Model Maker
A few months of on-the-job training is enough for most workers to learn basic machine operations, but 1 year or more is required to become proficient. Computer-controlled machine workers may need more training.
Model Maker Career Paths
In addition to switching up your job search, it might prove helpful to look at a career path for your specific job. Now, what's a career path you ask? Well, it's practically a map that shows how you might advance from one job title to another. Our career paths are especially detailed with salary changes. So, for example, if you started out with the role of designer you might progress to a role such as design engineer eventually. Later on in your career, you could end up with the title project engineering manager.
Average Salary for a Model Maker
What Am I Worth?
Roles and Types of Model Maker
There are several types of model maker, including:
Tool And Die Maker
Role:
Every manufacturing industry holds the position of Tool and Die Maker, which make working hands of any production. With variation in the name, they are also referred to as toolmaker, diemaker, mold maker, tool jig, or most commonly called fitter. Their key job is to operate certain tools or equipment to craft products.
Tool and die makers are skilled craftsmen who combine academic knowledge with their hands-on experience and skills to accomplish their trade. Now, how much education is required for doing so? Well, the answer is High school graduation or above.
As they got to craft real products by analyzing blueprints and modeling them as per design, one with higher education will be preferred. They are also offered various job training to get along with changing working practices and tool techniques.
Although the working environment is different for every industry, they are supposed to work in a toolroom environment. Like the working environment, their salaries also vary between $43,000 and $67,000 annually.
- Average Salary: $52,956
- Degree: Associate Degree
Tool Maker
Role:
Some professions make use of precision tools and metal forms otherwise known as dies to shape metal used for forging and stamping processes. The specialist responsible for carrying out these activities is known as a tool and die maker. If you aspire to become a toolmaker, keep in mind that you must be involved in reading designs, blueprints, and CAD specifications. Also, prepare to set up and operate machines and tools. It is also your duty to compute the sizes and dimensions of tools and dies while also testing final items.
Ideally, tool and die makers should have strong technical and mathematical abilities, as well as computer application experience. To be a competent tool and die maker, you'll need a thorough understanding of metalworking and engineering, as well as a keen eye for detail and the ability to conceptualize structural components. You should have either a high school diploma or a degree in mechanical engineering. A Toolmaker's average hourly wage is $25.03.
- Average Salary: $52,443
- Degree: Associate Degree
Mold Maker
Role:
Mold makers work with metals, although they may also work with rubber and plastic. Their job involves fabricating molds using casting, blueprints, and design. They may be required to construct new tools for molding and metal stamping using plans provided by the design team. Mold makers usually work in manufacturing companies, and they often have to liaise with members of other teams and the clients.
A day in the life of a mold maker involves him spending several hours on his/her feet twisting, turning, and creating molds. Mold makers may also need to maintain and repair existing molds, create prototype products, and create new designs. They need proficiency in mathematics, problem-solving, and communication, technical reasoning, and, maybe most importantly, manual dexterity.
A mold maker also requires knowledge of CSS design and CNC matching. The minimal education requirement for a mold maker is a high school diploma, even though employers prefer a vocational school certificate.
- Average Salary: $48,841
- Degree: High School Diploma
States With The Most Model Maker Jobs
Mouse over a state to see the number of active model maker jobs in each state. The darker areas on the map show where model makers earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
Number Of Model Maker Jobs By State
| Rank | State | Number of Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 409 | $52,041 |
| 2 | Illinois | 276 | $47,910 |
| 3 | Ohio | 272 | $47,558 |
| 4 | Florida | 243 | $41,855 |
| 5 | Texas | 226 | $44,682 |
| 6 | Michigan | 225 | $62,817 |
| 7 | Wisconsin | 222 | $44,149 |
| 8 | Minnesota | 211 | $40,092 |
| 9 | New York | 198 | $46,197 |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 192 | $48,357 |
| 11 | North Carolina | 192 | $44,118 |
| 12 | Virginia | 185 | $47,852 |
| 13 | Massachusetts | 168 | $34,632 |
| 14 | Indiana | 167 | $44,630 |
| 15 | Missouri | 120 | $42,875 |
| 16 | New Jersey | 108 | $55,439 |
| 17 | South Carolina | 99 | $32,810 |
| 18 | Connecticut | 94 | $36,357 |
| 19 | Oregon | 91 | $45,389 |
| 20 | Georgia | 80 | $41,533 |
| 21 | Tennessee | 79 | $41,476 |
| 22 | Arizona | 77 | $46,563 |
| 23 | Colorado | 75 | $42,172 |
| 24 | Alabama | 74 | $41,565 |
| 25 | Utah | 68 | $44,301 |
| 26 | Iowa | 66 | $45,015 |
| 27 | Kentucky | 63 | $44,842 |
| 28 | Washington | 54 | $41,751 |
| 29 | Kansas | 51 | $44,834 |
| 30 | Nebraska | 49 | $41,341 |
| 31 | New Hampshire | 48 | $33,428 |
| 32 | Mississippi | 39 | $45,279 |
| 33 | Maryland | 38 | $37,765 |
| 34 | Idaho | 32 | $44,184 |
| 35 | West Virginia | 30 | $48,367 |
| 36 | Arkansas | 27 | $58,176 |
| 37 | Louisiana | 26 | $33,064 |
| 38 | Maine | 25 | $41,681 |
| 39 | Oklahoma | 25 | $41,236 |
| 40 | Rhode Island | 24 | $35,673 |
| 41 | South Dakota | 19 | $29,764 |
| 42 | Montana | 18 | $30,053 |
| 43 | North Dakota | 17 | $39,737 |
| 44 | Vermont | 15 | $31,150 |
| 45 | New Mexico | 13 | $63,146 |
| 46 | Nevada | 12 | $38,384 |
| 47 | Wyoming | 11 | $38,654 |
| 48 | Delaware | 5 | $38,279 |
| 49 | Alaska | 2 | $44,187 |
| 50 | Hawaii | 0 | $43,213 |
Top Skills For a Model Maker
The skills section on your resume can be almost as important as the experience section, so you want it to be an accurate portrayal of what you can do. Luckily, we've found all of the skills you'll need so even if you don't have these skills yet, you know what you need to work on. Out of all the resumes we looked through, 16.0% of model makers listed cnc on their resume, but soft skills such as computer skills and dexterity are important as well.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Model Maker Resume templates
Zippia allows you to choose from different easy-to-use Model Maker templates, and provides you with expert advice. Using the templates, you can rest assured that the structure and format of your Model Maker resume is top notch. Choose a template with the colors, fonts & text sizes that are appropriate for your industry.
Model Maker diversity
Model Maker Gender Distribution
After extensive research and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
- Among model makers, 10.2% of them are women, while 89.8% are men.
- The most common race/ethnicity among model makers is White, which makes up 60.8% of all model makers.
- The most common foreign language among model makers is Spanish at 26.7%.
Online Courses For Model Maker That You May Like
1. Introduction to CAD, CAM, and Practical CNC Machining
This course introduces you to the foundational knowledge in computer-aided design, manufacture, and the practical use of CNC machines. In this course we begin with the basics in Autodesk® Fusion 360™ CAD by learning how to properly sketch and model 3D parts. Before we program any toolpaths, we’ll explore CNC machining basics to ensure we have the ground level foundational knowledge needed to effectively define toolpaths. Finally, we explore the basics of setting up a CAM program and defining...
2. Machine Learning Modeling Pipelines in Production
In the third course of Machine Learning Engineering for Production Specialization, you will build models for different serving environments; implement tools and techniques to effectively manage your modeling resources and best serve offline and online inference requests; and use analytics tools and performance metrics to address model fairness, explainability issues, and mitigate bottlenecks. Understanding machine learning and deep learning concepts is essential, but if you’re looking to build...
3. Fusion 360 CAD/CAM for CNC routers
Make any part using your CNC router with Fusion 360...
Best States For a Model Maker
Some places are better than others when it comes to starting a career as a model maker. The best states for people in this position are New Mexico, Michigan, Arkansas, and New Jersey. Model makers make the most in New Mexico with an average salary of $63,146. Whereas in Michigan and Arkansas, they would average $62,817 and $58,176, respectively. While model makers would only make an average of $55,439 in New Jersey, you would still make more there than in the rest of the country. We determined these as the best states based on job availability and pay. By finding the median salary, cost of living, and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Location Quotient, we narrowed down our list of states to these four.
1. Michigan
$62,817
Avg. Salary
2. Ohio
$47,558
Avg. Salary
3. West Virginia
$48,367
Avg. Salary
How Do Model Makers Rate Their Jobs?
Top Model Maker Employers
Most Common Employers For Model Maker
| Rank | Company | Average Salary | Hourly Rate | Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Motors | $86,086 | $41.39 | 6 |
| 2 | IBM | $83,712 | $40.25 | 16 |
| 3 | Ford Motor | $76,342 | $36.70 | 4 |
| 4 | Whirlpool | $69,116 | $33.23 | 4 |
| 5 | Globus Medical | $64,460 | $30.99 | 5 |
| 6 | Motorola Solutions | $63,235 | $30.40 | 4 |
| 7 | Lexmark | $61,781 | $29.70 | 4 |
| 8 | Sypris Electronics | $59,068 | $28.40 | 4 |
| 9 | Hillrom | $55,261 | $26.57 | 6 |
| 10 | Steelcase | $53,227 | $25.59 | 4 |