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The differences between model makers and model 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 model builder. Additionally, a model builder has an average salary of $73,763, 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 model builder are prototyping, revit, and CNC.
| Model Maker | Model Builder | |
| Yearly salary | $48,523 | $73,763 |
| Hourly rate | $23.33 | $35.46 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 14,147 | 3,273 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A model maker is a specialist in creating three-dimensional scale models of product blueprints, drawings or CAD designs using materials such as wood or plastics. They should be able to accurately interpret and visualize preliminary designs and create models that are an accurate representation of the designs. Model makers are craftspeople who turn concepts into reality. Turning designs into three-dimensional pieces enables designers to better picture issues that need to be altered before production.
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. Events can be used as a basis to predict future events, especially those that attract high commercial interest. A model builder tasked with assembling representations of complex objects. They need to be able to assemble parts with detail and accuracy.
Model makers and model builders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Model Maker | Model Builder | |
| Average salary | $48,523 | $73,763 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $70,000 | Between $44,000 And $121,000 |
| Highest paying City | Warren, MI | - |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | - |
| Best paying company | Apple | - |
| Best paying industry | Retail | - |
There are a few differences between a model maker and a model builder in terms of educational background:
| Model Maker | Model Builder | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Architecture |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between model makers' and model builders' demographics:
| Model Maker | Model Builder | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.8% Female, 10.2% | Male, 76.6% Female, 23.4% |
| 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, 10.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 10.9% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |