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Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Salary in Grand Rapids, MI

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Model Makers, Metal and Plastic in Grand Rapids, MI have a median annual salary of $44,220, with 70 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $38,640 at the 10th percentile to $76,270 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$44,220

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$21.26

Employment

70

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$38,640
10th
$38,640
25th
$44,220
Median
$52,180
75th
$76,270
90th

Local compared with national

Grand Rapids, MI

$44,220

Median annual · 2025

United States

$63,340

Median annual · 2025

The Grand Rapids, MI median is 30.2% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $19,120).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operation and ControlImportance 3.6
  2. 2.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.5
  3. 3.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.3
  4. 4.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.3
  5. 5.MonitoringImportance 3.1
  6. 6.Equipment SelectionImportance 3.0
  7. 7.TroubleshootingImportance 3.0
  8. 8.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0
  9. 9.Time ManagementImportance 3.0
  10. 10.Reading ComprehensionImportance 2.9
  11. 11.RepairingImportance 2.9
  12. 12.Active ListeningImportance 2.8

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Job zone
3

Technology used

  • CNC Software Mastercam
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word
  • PTC Creo Parametric

Common tasks

  • 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.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic salary in other locations

Other occupations in Grand Rapids, MI