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Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in Texas

Want to work as a Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in Texas? Here’s what you need to know. Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.

What do Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Make in Texas?

For model makers, metal and plastic working in Texas, wages run about $45,880 per year (or about $22.06/hour).Pay can range from $37,420 at the 10th percentile to $126,260 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic	Annual	Hourly
10th percentile	$37,420	$17.99
25th percentile	$38,170	$18.35
Median (50th)	$45,880	$22.06
75th percentile	$87,210	$41.93
90th percentile	$126,260	$60.70

Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in Texas nationwide is 0.54, meaning fewer model makers, metal and plastic per worker than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, model makers, metal and plastic earn a median of $38,490 per year ($18.51/hour), higher than the Texas median.

Employment Outlook

National employment for 203,594 model makers, metal and plastic nationwide. In Texas alone, approximately 160 people work in this role. That’s higher than the typical state, which employs around 70 model makers, metal and plastic.

Top Texas Metros for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

The metro areas below employ the most model makers, metal and plastic in Texas.

Metro Area	Number Employed	Annual Median Salary
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX	70	$85,820

Top States for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Employment

View the states that employ the most model makers, metal and plastic work.

State	Number Employed
Michigan	1,210
California	350
Ohio	240
Texas	160
New York	120
Massachusetts	110
Utah	70
North Carolina	70
Minnesota	70
Indiana	60
Iowa	60
Pennsylvania	50
Florida	50
Missouri	50
New Jersey	40
Rhode Island	40
Georgia	30

Highest-Paying States for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

These states pay the most for model makers, metal and plastic.

State	Annual Median Salary
Georgia	$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

Skills

Top model makers, metal and plastic skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Knowledge Areas

Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Abilities

Key abilities for model makers, metal and plastic, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Daily Tasks

Common tasks include:

• Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
• Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
• Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
• Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
• Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
• Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
• Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
• Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
• Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
• Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
• Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.
• Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.

Work Activities

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
• Controlling Machines and Processes
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
• Getting Information
• Thinking Creatively
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Handling and Moving Objects
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Tools & Technology

Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel

What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?

Related college programs include:

• Precision Metal Working

Related Careers

Related occupations to model makers, metal and plastic include:

• Mechanical Drafters
• Calibration Technologists and Technicians
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
• Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers

Also Known As

Aircraft Mockup Builder, Appliances Sample Maker, Auto Manufacturing Model Maker (Automotive Manufacturing Model Maker), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator), CNC Programmer (Computer Numerical Control Programmer), Clock and Watch Model Maker, Dioramist, Display Maker, Engineering Model Maker, Fabricator, Firearms Model Maker, Fluorescent Lighting Model Maker, Form Builder, Injection Mold Technician (Injection Mold Tech).

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
• O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
• BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-4061.00