Model Makers, Metal and Plastic vs. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers: Who Earns More?
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers out-earn Model Makers, Metal and Plastic by $11K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Model Makers, Metal and Plastic land at $63,340 and First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers at $74,450. The education gap is real: model makers, metal and plastic programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while first-line supervisors of production and operating worker programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic is California ($92,960); for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers it's Wyoming ($90,390).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Model Makers, Metal and Plastic median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Model Makers, Metal and Plastic or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers earn more nationally. The median is $63,340 for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic versus $74,450 for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers, a difference of $11K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Model Makers, Metal and Plastic or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers has the better 10-year outlook at 1.2% projected growth, compared to -18.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Model Makers, Metal and Plastic or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Model Makers, Metal and Plastic get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic at $92,960/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Model Makers, Metal and Plastic vs. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Model Makers, Metal and Plastic earn $92,960 vs. $76,840 for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.