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Clay Modeler Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Design Fabricator

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$74K - $124K/yr

As a Design Fabricator, you'll bring Ford's most ambitious design concepts to life-transforming clay models, sketches, and digital data into precision physical forms that shape the vehicles of ...

Design Fabricator

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$74K - $124K/yr

As a Design Fabricator, you'll bring Ford's most ambitious design concepts to life-transforming clay models, sketches, and digital data into precision physical forms that shape the vehicles of ...

Executes clay or digital models by developing aesthetic surfaces that meet time and quality requirements as directed by Sculpting Leadership. Contributes to problem solving by collaborating with ...

Executes clay or digital models by developing aesthetic surfaces that meet time and quality requirements as directed by Sculpting Leadership. Contributes to problem solving by collaborating with ...

Janitor, Dept. 5, 1st Shift

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Founded in 1948 by John Pridgeon and Donald Clay, we are one of the largest independent, value ... Exhibit all the attributes of a positive role model (including professionalism, personal integrity ...

Secondary Machine Operator

Grand Rapids, MI

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Founded in 1948 by John Pridgeon and Donald Clay, we are one of the largest independent, value ... Exhibit all the attributes of a positive role model (including professionalism, personal integrity ...

Packer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

Ability to learn the difference between Pridgeon & Clay order numbers and customer order numbers ... Exhibit all the attributes of a positive role model (including professionalism, personal integrity ...

Machine Operator

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Founded in 1948 by John Pridgeon and Donald Clay, we are one of the largest independent, value ... Exhibit all the attributes of a positive role model (including professionalism, personal integrity ...

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Clay Modeler information

See Michigan salary details

$9.6K

$92K

How much do clay modeler jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for clay modeler in Michigan is $84,690.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Clay Modeler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clay Modeler, you need expertise in sculpting, a strong understanding of form and proportion, and experience with automotive or industrial design, often supported by a relevant degree or vocational training. Familiarity with specialized tools like modeling knives, wire loops, and sometimes digital sculpting software such as Autodesk Alias is common in the field. Attention to detail, creativity, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with designers and engineers. These skills ensure the creation of accurate, visually appealing prototypes that guide the product development process.

How much do Ford Clay modelers make?

Clay modelers working in automotive design typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience and location. They create detailed clay models of vehicle designs using sculpting tools and often work closely with engineers and designers during the development process.

How do clay modelers typically collaborate with designers and engineers during the automotive design process?

Clay modelers work closely with both designers and engineers to bring vehicle concepts to life, translating 2D sketches and digital renderings into full-scale or scale models. They frequently participate in feedback sessions, where designers suggest aesthetic adjustments and engineers provide input on feasibility and manufacturing constraints. This collaborative environment requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and an ability to interpret and respond to a range of creative and technical inputs. Clay modelers are often integral members of multidisciplinary design teams and their input is valued throughout iterative design reviews.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Clay modelers typically do not earn $300,000 annually; high-paying jobs in the US that reach this level include specialized roles such as senior surgeons, corporate executives, investment bankers, and certain technology executives. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and advanced certifications or education.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

Clay modeler jobs are likely to decline as digital 3D modeling and computer-aided design (CAD) tools become more advanced and widely used. Automation and 3D printing may also reduce the need for traditional physical modeling roles in industries like entertainment, automotive, and product design. However, skilled artisans may still find niche opportunities in custom or artistic work that require manual craftsmanship.

What is the difference between Clay Modeler vs Sculptor?

AspectClay ModelerSculptor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in art, sculpture, or related field; specialized training in clay modelingOften has formal art education; skills in various sculpting materials, including clay, stone, or metal
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, animation, film, or toy industries; working with clay and modeling toolsArt studios, galleries, public spaces; working with diverse sculpting materials
Industry UsageCommon in animation, character design, product prototypingFound in fine arts, public art, and sculpture commissions

While both roles involve sculpting skills, a Clay Modeler specializes in creating detailed models primarily for animation, design, or prototyping using clay. A Sculptor has a broader focus on creating artistic sculptures in various materials, often for fine art or public displays. The roles overlap in skills but differ in purpose and industry application.

What are clay modelers?

Clay modelers are skilled professionals who create full-scale or scaled physical models, usually out of clay, to help visualize the design of products such as cars, toys, or consumer goods. In the automotive industry, clay modelers play a crucial role by turning designers' sketches and digital renderings into tangible, three-dimensional prototypes. These models allow designers and engineers to assess the look, feel, and functionality of a design before it goes into production. Clay modeling is both an artistic and technical job, requiring a keen eye for detail and craftsmanship.

How to become a clay modeler?

To become a clay modeler, develop skills in sculpture, anatomy, and design through formal education such as art or sculpture programs, or self-study. Gaining experience with modeling tools like clay, understanding of artistic principles, and building a portfolio are essential steps; some roles may also require knowledge of 3D modeling software or working in a studio environment.

What Does a Clay Modeler Do?

The job duties of a clay modeler include creating a 3D model based on a design sketch or a 2D concept image. Clay modeling involves working to develop full-size models that have accurate measurements and details. Your responsibilities in this career depend on the type of industry for which you are making the models. You may work in auto design or create images for appliances, boats, or other large manufactured items. Your models focus on surface areas, though you may also need to provide models of interior spaces.

What job categories do people searching Clay Modeler jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Clay Modeler jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Clay Modeler jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Clay Modeler job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Clay Modeler jobs in MI? For Clay Modeler jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Clay Modeler job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,690 per year, or $40.7 per hour.
Clay Sculptor - Exterior or Interior

Clay Sculptor - Exterior or Interior

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 304 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,260 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description

General Motors Creative Design organization is transforming the future of transportation and mobility solutions. We are seeking a pivotal role in our Sculpting organization. We are looking for a studio technical expert that executes clay models by developing aesthetic surfaces which meet timing and surface quality requirements while mentoring multiple program sculpting teams. In this role you will contribute to problem solving with design and engineering stakeholders. You will mentor others in efficient methods for developing models, integrating recent technologies and creating workflows while providing technical expertise and guidance to cross functional studio teams. We are looking for both Exterior Clay Sculptors and Interior Clay Sculptors.
If this sounds like your next step, we'd love to hear from you!
What You'll Do (Responsibilities);

  • Exhibits a safety mindset while identifying, taking ownership and resolving safety concerns
  • Develops high quality aesthetic surfaces for clay models throughout the GVDP
  • Active participant in studio and patio reviews. Contributes expert aesthetic judgement with the studio design team by offering 3D solutions
  • Support surface releases which meet Design approval, production engineering, and data release requirements
  • Comprehend program timelines and all related model quality requirements
  • Adhere to and assist in developing common GM Global Design processes / best practices
  • Frequently assists studio personnel in developing solutions to engineering and design problems
  • Mentor others in achieving GVDP modeling standards and raise concerns if quality standards are not met
  • Collaborates with technical SMEs and lead sculptors to discuss continuous improvement and clay training strategies
  • Facilitates Peer Reviews and provide feedback on surface construction techniques, quality expectations and continuous improvement strategies
  • Adheres to and reinforce corporate communication systems (timekeeping, email, etc.)
  • Shares responsibility with Sculpting Lead in model quality for shows and reviews
  • Maintains professional model sites


Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):

  • 5+ years of professional experience in automotive clay modeling
  • Demonstrates the courage to make the changes that will improve the organization and helps others overcome their resistance to change
  • Expert level of creative/technical proficiency
  • Expertise in the use of creative sculpting tools
  • Expert level of sketch interpretation/ability to translate design input into 3D models
  • Ability to mentor/teach all aspects of clay sculpting, model set ups and milling integration.
  • Seeks opportunities for innovation by executing on latest ideas and implementing continuous improvement initiatives
  • Associated degree or equivalent industry related experience
  • A portfolio is not required but is preferred

What Will Give You The Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualification):

  • 7+ years of professional experience in automotive clay modeling
  • Significant experience working directly for OEMs
  • Proven ability to balance speed and surface knowledge
  • High level of comprehension of surface development, and ability to showcase this during the interview process
  • Skilled in articulating verbal concepts and executing visions from verbal and sketched directions.
  • The ability to interpret styling aesthetics and brand identity and translate them physically.

PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
We strongly recommend linking your online portfolio in the "website" section of the application as we are able to access much larger files that way. If your portfolio is not available online, please follow the instructions below to upload your portfolio as a separate attachment as you did with the resume. Please NO dropbox files or Google docs.
1. Save your portfolio as a pdf document
2. Name your portfolio your LAST NAME, FIRST NAME. Example: Candidate name is John Smith. Portfolio pdf file name is: Smith, John.pdf
3. Upload as an attachment - you may have to condense the file.
DISCLAIMER: The Works included in your Career Portfolio must not be subject to any non-disclosure and/or confidentiality agreement. If the Works in your Career Portfolio are owned by your current or former employer, or by any other Third Party, there must be an express written consent from the Owner allowing the Works to be included in your Career Portfolio for sharing with General Motors ("GM"). By sharing your Career Portfolio, you grant to GM the right to quote, paraphrase, reproduce, distribute, or otherwise use all or any portion of the Career Portfolio for purposes of making a hiring determination. By sharing your Career Portfolio, you also agree to release and discharge GM, and its licensees, successors, and assigns, from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action that you may have regarding any use of the Career Portfolio, including (but not limited to) any claims based on the right to privacy, the right to publicity, copyright, libel, defamation, or any other right.
Relocation: This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

Sponsorship:GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DONOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP (e.g., H-1B, TN,STEM OPT, etc.) NOW OR IN THE FUTURE.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.


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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908