Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Salary in Rochester, NY
The median pay for a model makers, metal and plastic in Rochester, NY is $70,980/year ($34.13/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $47K at the entry level to $74K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 97.03), that's roughly $73,153 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,573/month — about 33.9% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $71K get you in Rochester?
About model makers, metal and plastics
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Rochester, NY
Entry-level model makers, metal and plastics (10th percentile) start around $47K. Mid-career wages sit at $71K.Top earners bring in $74K or more - a $28K 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 Rochester numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do model makers, metal and plastics make in Rochester, NY?
The median is $70,980 a year - that works out to about $34.13 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $46,610, and experienced model makers, metal and plastics can clear $74,120. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $71K enough to live in Rochester?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,585/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,573/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 34.3% 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 Rochester?
Rochester has a Regional Price Parity of 97.03 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median model makers, metal and plastic salary is worth about $73,153 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.