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Average Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Salary in California

Model Makers specializing in metal and plastic in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $86,050, significantly surpassing the national average of $65,840. This substantial difference is largely attributed to California's robust manufacturing sector, higher operational costs for businesses, and a strong demand for skilled precision craftspeople.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $86,050 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 44.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $123,990.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 350 Model Makers, metal and plastic, and a Location Quotient of 0.91, California's job market for this profession is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. While not exceptionally concentrated, the steady presence of this workforce suggests a consistent demand for their specialized skills within the state's diverse industrial landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$86,050

The average Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California earns+30.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$41.4

Weekly

$1,655

Monthly

$7,171

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive portfolios and specialized expertise can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights the value placed on accumulated skill, precision, and problem-solving capabilities in this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$52,260$25.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$64,538$31
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$77,970$37.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$107,563$51.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$123,990$59.6

Detailed Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$86,050

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$62,130

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The nominal average salary of $86,050 in California for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic must be considered alongside the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. While the salary is considerably higher than the national average, the elevated cost of living means that the purchasing power of this salary may be somewhat diminished compared to lower-cost regions offering lower nominal wages.

Job Market Context

350

Total Jobs

0.019

Per 1K Jobs

0.91

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.91x the national average concentration of Model Makers, Metal and Plastic jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.91 indicates that the concentration of Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, the job market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for skilled professionals seeking opportunities without extreme competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Model Makers, Metal and Plastics?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California is $86,050. This typically ranges from $52,260 for entry-level positions to $123,990 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 30.7% higher than the national median of $65,840.

Is California a lucrative place for Model Makers, Metal and Plastics?

Yes, California offers a lucrative environment for Model Makers, Metal and Plastics.The average salary of $86,050 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating strong earning potential despite a higher cost of living.

Is California a good place to live for Model Makers, Metal and Plastics?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the California salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in California is $86,050, which is substantially higher than the national average of $65,840.

What is the concentration of Model Makers in California?

California has a Location Quotient of 0.91 for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average, meaning the higher salary may have less purchasing power than in lower-cost states.

What does the job market size suggest?

The local workforce of 350 suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally large, market for Model Makers, indicating consistent demand for their specialized skills.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.019 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California