Career comparison
Mechanical Engineering Technician vs. Metal Model Maker
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Mechanical engineering technicians earn more at the median ($74,510 vs. $63,340), while mechanical engineering technicians usually get to work faster (2 years of training). Mechanical engineering technicians build, test and improve machines and mechanical products with engineers. Metal model makers build precise metal and plastic prototypes from engineering drawings.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Mechanical Engineering Technician | Metal Model Maker | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $74,510 ($35.82/hr) | $63,340 ($30.45/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,400 – $106,050 | $39,760 – $99,010 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +1.3% (slower than average) | -17.3% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 3,100 | 200 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 2 years | Years of machining experience |
| Key credential | Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) | NIMS machining credentials |
| Work setting | Technicians work in labs, shops and manufacturing plants.. | Model makers work in prototype shops and R&D labs.. |
What each job does
Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Build and modify prototypes
- Set up and run tests
- Record and analyze test data
- Create CAD drawings
- Help set up manufacturing processes
Metal Model Maker
- Read drawings and CAD
- Machine prototype parts
- 3D print parts
- Fabricate assemblies
- Fit and adjust
How they’re similar
Both careers involve indoor work, hands-on work, and problem-solving. They sit in different fields, science, engineering & lab and mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing, but share transferable skills such as problem solving and creativity.
Which should you choose?
Choose mechanical engineering technician if…
- I like building things
- I enjoy testing and data
- I like CAD
Choose metal model maker if…
- I love building things
- I’m a skilled machinist
- I like variety
Still torn? Take the Mechanical Engineering Technician fit quiz and the Metal Model Maker fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, mechanical engineering technician or metal model maker?
Mechanical Engineering Technicians earn more at the median: $74,510 versus $63,340 for metal model makers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Mechanical Engineering Technicians typically train faster (2 years) than metal model makers (Years of machining experience).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects mechanical engineering technicians to grow +1.3% from 2025–35, compared with -17.3% for metal model makers.