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Wood Model Maker

Life As a Wood Model Maker

Job Description & Duties Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.

A Day in the Life of a Wood Model Maker

  • Issue patterns to designated machine operators.
  • Maintain pattern records for reference.
  • Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
  • Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
  • Set up, operate, and adjust a variety of woodworking machines such as bandsaws and planers to cut and shape sections, parts, and patterns, according to specifications.
  • Plan, lay out, and draw outlines of units, sectional patterns, or full-scale mock-ups of products.

Things a Wood Model Maker Should Know How to Do

When polled, Wood Model Makers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Types of Wood Model Maker Jobs

  • Sample Builder
  • Craftsman
  • Special Craftsman
  • Model Builder
  • Wood Craftsman

Is There Going to be Demand for Wood Model Makers?

In the United States, there were 1,900 jobs for Wood Model Maker in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Wood Model Maker. The BLS estimates 200 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Wood Model Maker are Idaho, Maine, and North Carolina. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, North Carolina, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for a Wood Model Maker

The salary for Wood Model Makers ranges between about $31,850 and $78,010 a year.

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Wood Model Makers who work in Georgia, New York, or Wisconsin, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Wood Model Makers in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Georgia $52,620
New York $44,730
Wisconsin $38,580

Tools & Technologies Used by Wood Model Makers

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Wood Model Makers may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Siemens NX

How do I Become a Wood Model Maker?

Individuals working as a Wood Model Maker have obtained the following education levels:

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What work experience do I need to become a Wood Model Maker?

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Who Employs Wood Model Makers?

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The table below shows the approximate number of Wood Model Makers employed by various industries.

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You May Also Be Interested In…

Those interested in being a Wood Model Maker may also be interested in:

Career changers with experience as a Wood Model Maker sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Sadie Colbert via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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