Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
The median pay for a patternmakers, metal and plastic in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $47,520/year ($22.85/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $48K at the entry level to $48K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 96.94), that's roughly $49,020 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,338/month — about 41.3% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $48K get you in Milwaukee-Waukesha?
About patternmakers, metal and plastics
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Entry-level patternmakers, metal and plastics (10th percentile) start around $48K. Mid-career wages sit at $48K.Top earners bring in $48K or more - a $20 spread from bottom to top.
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $80K | +47% | 40 |
| Michigan | $74K | +35% | 140 |
| Minnesota | $66K | +21% | 40 |
| California | $66K | +20% | N/A |
| Massachusetts | $63K | +16% | N/A |
| Ohio | $63K | +16% | 120 |
| Iowa | $63K | +16% | 40 |
| Washington | $60K | +10% | 40 |
| Indiana | $54K | -1% | 160 |
| Texas | $53K | -3% | 60 |
| Pennsylvania | $52K | -5% | 170 |
| Alabama | $49K | -11% | 160 |
| Wisconsin | $48K | -13% | 210 |
| Tennessee | $39K | -29% | 40 |
| North Carolina | $38K | -30% | 70 |
Track patternmakers, metal and plastic salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Milwaukee-Waukesha numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do patternmakers, metal and plastics make in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The median is $47,520 a year - that works out to about $22.85 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $47,520, and experienced patternmakers, metal and plastics can clear $47,540. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $48K enough to live in Milwaukee-Waukesha?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,229/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,338/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 41.4% 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 patternmakers, metal and plastic salary go in Milwaukee-Waukesha?
Milwaukee-Waukesha has a Regional Price Parity of 96.94 (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 patternmakers, metal and plastic salary is worth about $49,020 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do patternmakers, 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.