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The differences between model makers and mold makers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a model maker, becoming a mold maker takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a mold maker has an average salary of $48,841, 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 mold maker are grinders, plastic injection molds, and cnc machines.
| Model Maker | Mold Maker | |
| Yearly salary | $48,523 | $48,841 |
| Hourly rate | $23.33 | $23.48 |
| Growth rate | -5% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 14,147 | 13,896 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | High School Diploma, 30% |
| Average age | 45 | 54 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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 Mold Maker creates, adjusts, inspects, maintains, and repairs molds and production equipment. They use various machines, such as lathes, milling machines, grinding machines, and jig borders.
Model makers and mold makers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Model Maker | Mold Maker | |
| Average salary | $48,523 | $48,841 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $70,000 | Between $34,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Warren, MI | Monterey, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Vicor |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a model maker and a mold maker in terms of educational background:
| Model Maker | Mold Maker | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | High School Diploma, 30% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between model makers' and mold makers' demographics:
| Model Maker | Mold Maker | |
| Average age | 45 | 54 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.8% Female, 10.2% | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% |
| 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, 2.4% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |