Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Salary in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
The median pay for a model makers, metal and plastic in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ is $75,620/year ($36.35/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $43K at the entry level to $101K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 112.56), so that salary is closer to $67,182 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,910/month — about 58.9% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $76K get you in New York-Newark-Jersey City?
About model makers, metal and plastics
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
Entry-level model makers, metal and plastics (10th percentile) start around $43K. Mid-career wages sit at $76K.Top earners bring in $101K or more - a $58K spread from bottom to top.
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $85K | +35% | 30 |
| California | $78K | +24% | 350 |
| New York | $74K | +18% | 120 |
| Ohio | $69K | +9% | 240 |
| Florida | $68K | +8% | 50 |
| Illinois | $67K | +6% | N/A |
| Massachusetts | $66K | +5% | 110 |
| Indiana | $60K | -5% | 60 |
| Michigan | $59K | -6% | 1,210 |
| Missouri | $57K | -9% | 50 |
| Iowa | $52K | -16% | 60 |
| Utah | $52K | -17% | 70 |
| Minnesota | $52K | -18% | 70 |
| North Carolina | $47K | -26% | 70 |
| Texas | $46K | -27% | 160 |
Track model makers, metal and plastic salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when New York-Newark-Jersey City numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do model makers, metal and plastics make in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ?
The median is $75,620 a year - that works out to about $36.35 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $43,010, and experienced model makers, metal and plastics can clear $100,960. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $76K enough to live in New York-Newark-Jersey City?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,836/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,910/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 60.2% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a model makers, metal and plastic salary go in New York-Newark-Jersey City?
New York-Newark-Jersey City has a Regional Price Parity of 112.56 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median model makers, metal and plastic salary is worth about $67,182 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do model makers, metal and plastics get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.