As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Model Builder in the United States is $71,990 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Model Builder's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
Recruit with AI
Smart Recruiting
A Model Builder's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Model Builder's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Model Maker II | years | $0 |
| Model Builder | 1-3 years | $71,949 |
| Industrial Design/Senior Model Maker | 3-5 years | $84,856 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Model Builders. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 3.08% |
| Data Integration | 1.8% |
| Prototyping | 1.8% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
CAD
|
$74,870 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Model Builders enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Model Builder with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $66,857 and $72,208).
Model Builder Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 14.7% |
| High School | 14.7% |
| Associates | 20.6% |
| Bachelors | 61.8% |
| Masters | 2.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Model Builder's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021For a Model Builder, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Industrial Design/Senior Model Maker role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $84,900 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Salaries for a Model Builder can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $53,830 in 2023 to around $52,990 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Model Builder salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $53,830 |
| 2024 | $54,049 |
| 2025 | $52,990 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Model Builder and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Model Builder job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
Builders typically receive payment through Construction Draws during a project. On average, a builder's salary ranges from $62,990 to $84,490, with a midpoint of $72,090. These draws, usually five in total, are requested for work completed or deposits needed for ordering specific items, ensuring the builder is compensated as the project progresses.
Yes, being a builder is a rewarding career choice. If you enjoy working with your hands and creating lasting structures, this profession offers a fulfilling path. With salaries ranging from $62,990 to $84,490, builders can achieve financial stability while making a tangible impact in their communities.
To become a movie set builder, a high school diploma or GED is often preferred, but not mandatory. Training is crucial; most set builders complete a three to four-year apprenticeship to acquire essential skills. Salary ranges for set builders typically fall between $62,990 and $84,490, with a median salary around $72,090, reflecting the importance of experience and expertise in the field.
Modeling can be a lucrative career, with salaries typically ranging from $62,990 to $84,490 annually. While some models may earn significantly more, the average salary reflects the variability based on factors like experience and market demand. Overall, modeling can be considered a high-paying job for those who succeed in the industry.
In the USA, builders typically earn between $62,990 and $84,490 annually, with a median salary around $72,090. These figures reflect the salary range for builders, providing a clearer picture of their earnings compared to the higher estimates often cited.
The highest paying job in building is typically a Senior Project Manager, with salaries ranging from $62,990 to $84,490, depending on experience and location. Other lucrative roles include Architect, Civil Engineer, and Construction Manager, with mid-level salaries around $72,090. These positions offer competitive compensation in the construction industry.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
