PathScorer

    Model Maker Salary in 2026

    SOC: 51-4061.00 · BLS OEWS 2026 · Updated March 2026
    Median Annual
    $62,700
    per year
    Salary Range
    $38K – $96K
    P10–P90
    Total Jobs
    3,230
    employed
    Job Growth
    -18.2%
    2024–2034
    Section 01

    How Much Do Model Makers Make?

    Model Makers earn a median annual salary of $62,700 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $38,430 at the 10th percentile to $95,780 at the 90th percentile — a range of $57,350. The highest-paying state is Georgia at $84,700.

    PercentileAnnual salary
    10th percentile$38,430
    25th percentile$48,860
    Median (50th)$62,700
    75th percentile$79,470
    90th percentile$95,780
    10th: $38,430Median: $62,70090th: $95,780
    Section 02

    Model Maker Salary by State

    Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.

    StateMedian salary
    Georgiatop$84,700
    California$77,970
    New York$73,840
    Ohio$68,530
    Florida$67,600
    Illinois$66,660
    Massachusetts$65,600
    Indiana$59,800
    Michigan$59,100
    Missouri$57,280
    Iowa$52,400
    Utah$51,960
    Minnesota$51,620
    North Carolina$46,680
    Texas$45,880
    New Jersey$43,000
    Rhode Island$33,330
    Section 03

    Highest-Paying Metros for Model Makers

    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
    Highest paying
    $102,130
    top metro salary
    California
    $77,970
    $-24,160 vs highest
    Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
    $76,260
    $-25,870 vs highest
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
    $75,140
    $-26,990 vs highest
    New York
    $73,840
    $-28,290 vs highest
    Ohio
    $68,530
    $-33,600 vs highest
    Massachusetts
    $65,600
    $-36,530 vs highest
    Michigan
    $59,100
    $-43,030 vs highest
    Section 04

    Model Maker Salary by Experience

    Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.

    Experience levelEstimated salary
    Entry level (0–2 yrs)~$38,430 – $48,860
    Mid career (3–7 yrs)~$62,700
    Experienced (8–15 yrs)~$79,470
    Senior (15+ yrs)$95,780+
    Section 05

    How to Earn More as a Model Maker

    Location is the single biggest salary lever: Model Makers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earn $102,130 — $39,430 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($79,470) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.

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    Section 06

    Model Maker Salary vs Similar Careers

    CareerMedian salary
    Model Makerthis career$62,700
    Mechanical Drafter$68,510
    Sheet Metal Worker$60,850
    Industrial Machinery Mechanics$63,760
    Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler$61,680

    Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes

    PathScorer compares your skills to Model Maker requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.

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    Free to try No sign-up Based on O*NET data
    Section 07

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Career Guide
    Learn how to become a Model Maker →
    AI Automation Risk
    Model Maker AI exposure analysis →

    SOC: 51-4061.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.