Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Salary in California (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
California Median
$92,960
per year
Hourly Rate
$44.69
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+47% vs US median
US median $63,340
State Rank
#1 of 15
260 employed here

How much do Model Makers, Metal and Plastic make in California?

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California take home a median of $92,960 annually — roughly $44.69 an hour — which runs 47% above the national median of $63,340.

Within California, entry-level pay starts around $59,800 while the top 10% make $153,640 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $73,530 and $107,000 a year.

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic salary range in California

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$59,800$28.75
25th percentile (early career)$73,530$35.35
50th percentile (median)$92,960$44.69
75th percentile (experienced)$107,000$51.44
90th percentile (top earners)$153,640$73.87

How California compares

California ranks 1st out of 15 states and territories for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1California$92,960
2Florida$79,930
3New York$77,710
4New Jersey$72,340
5Illinois$68,890

Working as Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California

Nationally, about 3,000 people work as Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare California pay ($92,960) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Model Makers, Metal and Plastic make in California?
The median Model Makers, Metal and Plastic salary in California is $92,960 per year, or about $44.69 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $59,800 at the entry level to $153,640 for the top 10% of earners.
How does California pay compare to the national average?
California pays Model Makers, Metal and Plastic about 47% more than the national median of $63,340. California ranks 1st out of 15 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is California a good state for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic?
Yes on pay — California pays above the national median for this occupation, at $92,960 a year. About 260 Model Makers, Metal and Plastic are employed in California. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in California?
The highest-paying occupations in California include Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric ($400,150), Neurologist ($357,080), Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ($353,900), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Model Makers, Metal and Plastic salary report

Related salaries

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.