What Does it Take to Be a Wood Model Maker?

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

Wood Model Maker Responsibilities

• Plan, lay out, and draw outlines of units, sectional patterns, or full-scale mock-ups of products.
• Fabricate work aids such as scrapers or templates.
• Finish patterns or models with protective or decorative coatings such as shellac, lacquer, or wax.
• 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.
• Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
• Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, screws, and other fasteners.

Things a Wood Model Maker Should Know How to Do

Below is a list of the skills most Wood Model Makers say are important on the job.

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.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Types of Wood Model Maker Jobs

• Sample Maker
• Sample Builder
• CAD Technician (Computer Aided Drafting Technician)
• Production Wood Craftsman
• Product Craftsman

Wood Model Maker Employment Estimates

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

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.

How Much Does a Wood Model Maker Make?

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

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

How much do Wood Model Makers make in each U.S. state?

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

What Tools do Wood Model Makers Use?

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 to Become a Wood Model Maker

Are there Wood Model Makers education requirements?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where do Wood Model Makers Work?

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

Related Careers

Those thinking about becoming a Wood Model Maker might also be interested in the following careers:

• Set and Exhibit Designers

Are you already one of the many Wood Model Maker in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

• Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
• Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.