Model maker vs model technician

The differences between model makers and model technicians 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 technician. Additionally, a model technician has an average salary of $65,416, 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 technician are CAD, revit, and shop drawings.

Model maker vs model technician overview

	Model Maker	Model Technician
Yearly salary	$48,523	$65,416
Hourly rate	$23.33	$31.45
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	14,147	6,577
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 46%	Bachelor's Degree, 42%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	4	4

Model maker vs model technician salary

Model makers and model technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Model Maker	Model Technician
Average salary	$48,523	$65,416
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $70,000	Between $37,000 And $114,000
Highest paying City	Warren, MI	Houston, TX
Highest paying state	New Mexico	Michigan
Best paying company	Apple	IRI
Best paying industry	Retail	Technology

Differences between model maker and model technician education

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

	Model Maker	Model Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 46%	Bachelor's Degree, 42%
Most common major	Graphic Design	Business
Most common college	-	-

Model maker vs model technician demographics

Here are the differences between model makers' and model technicians' demographics:

	Model Maker	Model Technician
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 89.8% Female, 10.2%	Male, 71.9% Female, 28.1%
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, 10.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 9.3% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between model maker and model technician 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.

Model technician example responsibilities.

Prepare diagnostic models of a patient's mouth and teeth from impressions with stone.
Read and follow doctor's instructions and requests on prescriptions for teeth being reset.
Coordinate international sample/model making for costume jewelry
Wax margins, opaque PFM, s and zirconium copings and create porcelain margins.

Model maker vs model technician skills

Common model maker skills

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

Common model technician skills

CAD, 33%
Revit, 32%
Shop Drawings, 12%
Dental Impressions, 9%
Dentures, 8%
Base Models, 3%