How to hire a model maker

How to hire a model maker, step by step

Here's a step-by-step 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 model maker job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new model maker
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a model maker do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a model maker, 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

   Hiring the perfect model maker also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   Here's a comparison of model maker salaries for various roles:

   Type of Model Maker	Description	Hourly rate
   Model Maker	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$15-33
   Tool And Die Maker	A tool and die maker is responsible for operating various mechanical tools and equipment to create components, metal parts, and other tools for a wide range of industries. Tool and die makers analyze schematics and blueprints to assemble parts and verify dimensions accurately... Show more	$19-32
   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

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CNC
   • Hand Tools
   • Cad Cam
   • Calipers
   • Model Shop
   • Grinders
   • Aluminum
   • Prototyping
   • Drill Presses
   • Jigs
   • Product Development
   • CAD/CAM
   • EDM
   • Math

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Draw out plans for test fixtures using Autocad.
   • Develop and document operating procedures for CNC machines along with MasterCam CAD/CAM programming interface.
   • Train in Mig, Tig, and stick welding.
   • Improve system design with FEA and CFD.
   • Programme and operate waterjet equipment and wire EDM.
   • Spot weld assemblies using A/C and D/C welders.

   More model maker duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your model maker job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A model maker salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, model makers' average salary in south dakota is 53% less than in new mexico.
   • Seniority. Entry-level model makers earn 53% less than senior-level model makers.
   • Certifications. A 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 model maker's salary.

   Average model maker salary

   $48,523yearly

   $23.33 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level model maker salary

   $33,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average model maker salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Michigan	$63,029	$30
   2	California	$56,239	$27
   3	Illinois	$48,248	$23
   4	Ohio	$46,703	$22
   5	New York	$46,638	$22
   6	Indiana	$44,551	$21
   7	Texas	$44,421	$21
   8	Wisconsin	$44,110	$21
   9	North Carolina	$43,215	$21
   10	Florida	$41,810	$20
   11	Washington	$41,588	$20
   12	Minnesota	$40,257	$19
   13	Rhode Island	$35,332	$17
   14	New Hampshire	$33,380	$16

   Average model maker salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Apple	$94,357	$45.36	1
   2	General Motors	$86,086	$41.39	12
   3	Benchmark Electronics	$69,365	$33.35
   4	Zebra Technologies	$67,436	$32.42
   5	Thermo Fisher Scientific	$62,481	$30.04	4
   6	ITW	$60,421	$29.05	16
   7	Lucid Motors	$60,404	$29.04	4
   8	Lennox International	$59,894	$28.80
   9	Tiffany & Co.	$58,568	$28.16
   10	DEKA Research	$58,545	$28.15
   11	Stryker	$58,134	$27.95
   12	Carrier	$58,004	$27.89	4
   13	Lockheed Martin	$56,672	$27.25	23
   14	Koch Industries	$56,654	$27.24	2
   15	Crestron Electronics	$55,335	$26.60
   16	Knoll	$54,135	$26.03
   17	RATIO Design	$53,142	$25.55
   18	Mattel	$49,082	$23.60
   19	Sealed Air	$48,997	$23.56	4
   20	S&C Electric	$47,272	$22.73	6

4. Writing a model maker job description

   A model maker 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. To help get you started, here's an example of a model maker job description:

   Model maker job description example

   As a Model Maker at Zoox, you will aid in the development of rapid first articles and prototypes of components to support Zoox's mission to solve autonomous mobility. You'll be supporting our internal customers with their unplanned short-turn-around projects that come into the shop. Your support will be a mixture of supervising non-shop members as they get their hands dirty in the lab and producing prototypes yourself. You will be exposed to various technologies including (but not limited to) metalwork (shear, brake, mill, lathe, welding), composites, and additive manufacturing. Broad experience is not needed but a desire to learn and a customer-focused mindset is a must!
   
   ResponsibilitiesPoint of contact for walk-in fabrication requests in the shop Supervise non-shop members when they are operating equipment to ensure safety and cleanliness standards are being met Maintain a high level of shop cleanliness at all times Preparation of prototype molds and tools for custom composite and foam components Operation of shop equipment such as mill, lathe, shear, brake, bandsaw
   
   Qualifications4 years of experience in the fabrication or maker space, composite or metal work experience preferred.Basic ability to read and understand blueprints Excellent customer service mindset
   
   Bonus QualificationsKnowledge of JIRA, Solidworks, CATIA, GD&TMIG and TIG welding experience CNC operation experience Additive manufacturing technology experience Experience in a lab assistant or shop support role
   Vaccine Mandate
   
   Employees working in this position will be required to have received a single dose of the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine OR have completed the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series. In addition, employees will be required to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine by the earlier of (1) April 15 or (2) within two months of becoming eligible for the booster vaccine.
   
   Employees will be required to show proof of vaccination status upon receipt of a conditional offer of employment. That offer of employment will be conditioned upon, among other things, an Applicant's ability to show proof of vaccination status. Please note the Company provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable state, federal, and local laws.
   
   About Zoox
   
   Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We're looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.
   
   Follow us on LinkedIn
   
   A Final Note:
   You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find model makers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit model makers, 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 maker

   Once you've selected the best model maker candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing 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.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new model maker. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are 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.)

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