As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Model Maker III in the United States is $72,033 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Model Maker III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Model Maker III'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 Maker III'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 | 1-3 years | $58,540 |
| Model Maker III | 3-5 years | $72,033 |
| Model Maker IV | 5-7 years | $84,932 |
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 Maker IIIs. 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Financial Modeling
|
$84,999 |
18%
|
|
Employee Health and Safety
|
$83,558 |
16%
|
|
Taking Action
|
$83,558 |
16%
|
|
Microsoft Excel
|
$82,118 |
14%
|
|
Analysis
|
$79,957 |
11%
|
|
Insight
|
$78,516 |
9%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Model Maker IIIs 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 Maker III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $67,119 and $72,454).
Model Maker III 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 Maker III'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 June 01, 2026For a Model Maker III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Model Maker IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $84,932 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Salaries for a Model Maker III 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 Maker III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $53,830 |
| 2024 | $54,049 |
| 2025 | $52,990 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Model Maker III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Model Maker III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Model Maker III is $90,855.
The highest pay for Model Maker III is $87,557.
The lowest pay for Model Maker III is $59,892.
Designs and builds scale models of industrial products, parts or components, and manufacturing equipment. Utilizes various machinery and materials to create prototypes that allow stakeholders to visualize, test, and refine designs before production. Analyses requirements, specifications, and engineering designs to determine the best materials and methods to fabricate models. Collaborates with stakeholders to incorporate revisions or modifications to the appearance and performance of prototypes. Creates and maintains documentation detailing the dimensions, materials, equipment, and processes used. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
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.
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