What is a Wood Model Maker?

Wood Model Maker Example 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

• Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, screws, and other fasteners.
• Finish patterns or models with protective or decorative coatings such as shellac, lacquer, or wax.
• Issue patterns to designated machine operators.
• Select wooden stock, determine layouts, and mark layouts of parts on stock, using precision equipment such as scribers, squares, and protractors.
• 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.

What a Wood Model Maker Should Know

Wood Model Makers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

Other Wood Model Maker Job Titles

• Lofter
• Sample Worker
• Craftsman
• Building Craftsman
• Loft Worker Apprentice

Wood Model Maker Job Outlook

There were about 1,900 jobs for Wood Model Maker in 2016 (in the United States). 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.

Wood Model Maker Average Salary

The typical yearly salary for Wood Model Makers is somewhere between $31,850 and $78,010.

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

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 to Become a Wood Model Maker

Are there Wood Model Makers education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Wood Model Maker?

Where Wood Model Makers Work

Wood Model Makers work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

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

• 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.