Model maker vs fixture builder

The differences between model makers and fixture builders 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 and a fixture builder. Additionally, a fixture builder has an average salary of $53,904, which is higher than the $48,523 average annual salary of a model maker.

The top three skills for a model maker include CNC, hand tools and cad cam. The most important skills for a fixture builder are build fixtures, jigs, and gauges.

Model maker vs fixture builder overview

	Model Maker	Fixture Builder
Yearly salary	$48,523	$53,904
Hourly rate	$23.33	$25.92
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	14,147	3,041
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 46%	High School Diploma, 33%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	4	4

Model maker vs fixture builder salary

Model makers and fixture builders have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Model Maker	Fixture Builder
Average salary	$48,523	$53,904
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $70,000	Between $36,000 And $80,000
Highest paying City	Warren, MI	-
Highest paying state	New Mexico	-
Best paying company	Apple	-
Best paying industry	Retail	-

Differences between model maker and fixture builder education

There are a few differences between a model maker and a fixture builder in terms of educational background:

	Model Maker	Fixture Builder
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 46%	High School Diploma, 33%
Most common major	Graphic Design	Industrial Technology
Most common college	-	-

Model maker vs fixture builder demographics

Here are the differences between model makers' and fixture builders' demographics:

	Model Maker	Fixture Builder
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 89.8% Female, 10.2%	Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 8.8% White, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 8.6% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between model maker and fixture builder duties and responsibilities

Model maker example 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.

Fixture builder example responsibilities.

Fabricate from raw materials, complex master gauges, drill jigs & holding fixtures for assembly processes.
Coordinate master tooling gauges and relate tooling.
Construct new and maintain fixtures for CNC machining production.
Build aluminum and composite apply fixtures and tooling gages for Lockheed-Martin.
Design and build a wide variety of drill, assembly, weld, locating jigs and templates.
Implement CNC tube bending technology which reduce set-up time and scrap while increasing machine efficiencies and utilization.

Model maker vs fixture builder skills

Common model maker skills

CNC, 16%
Hand Tools, 7%
Cad Cam, 6%
Calipers, 5%
Model Shop, 5%
Grinders, 4%

Common fixture builder skills

Build Fixtures, 21%
Jigs, 20%
Gauges, 10%
Blueprint Specifications, 8%
CNC, 5%
Engineering Drawings, 4%