The average salary for a model maker in the United States is around $56,550 per year.
Avg Salary
Model makers earn an average yearly salary of $56,550.
Wages typically start from $34,800 and go up to $98,050.
7% below national average Updated in 2025
Model maker earnings by seniority
90th percentile
Top-level model maker earnings begin at:
$47.14 per hour
$98,050 per year
75th percentile
Senior-level model maker earnings begin at:
$41.90 per hour
$87,150 per year
50th percentile
Mid-level model maker earnings begin at:
$27.19 per hour
$56,550 per year
25th percentile
Junior-level model maker earnings begin at:
$18.10 per hour
$37,660 per year
10th percentile
Starting level model maker earnings begin at:
$16.73 per hour
$34,800 per year
Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.
Model maker salary by state
| State Name | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $77,000 |
| Michigan | $71,880 |
| California | $67,410 |
| Georgia | $49,200 |
| New York | $42,630 |
| Tennessee | $38,810 |
| Wisconsin | $36,730 |
| Ohio | $35,900 |
| North Carolina | $34,170 |
| South Carolina | $19,410 |
How do model maker salaries compare to similar careers?
Model makers earn about the same as related careers in the United States. On average, they make less than brickmasons but more than stonemasons.
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Brickmason salary | $62K |
| Art therapist salary | $62K |
| Rigger salary | $63K |
| Carpenter salary | $61K |
| HVAC technician salary | $61K |
| Model maker salary | $57K |
| Drywall installer salary | $59K |
| Costume attendant salary | $50K |
| Plasterer salary | $58K |
| Stonemason salary | $57K |
Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)