What Does it Take to Be 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.

Wood Model Maker Responsibilities

• 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.
• Maintain pattern records for reference.
• Build jigs that can be used as guides for assembling oversized or special types of box shooks.
• Select wooden stock, determine layouts, and mark layouts of parts on stock, using precision equipment such as scribers, squares, and protractors.
• Mark identifying information on patterns, parts, and templates to indicate assembly methods and details.
• Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measuring devices.

Skills Needed to be a Wood Model Maker

These are the skills Wood Model Makers say are the most useful in their careers:

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

• Product Engineer
• Wood Craftsman
• Model Maker
• Craftsman
• Loft Worker Apprentice

Are There Job Opportunities 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. There will be an estimated 200 positions for Wood Model Maker per year.

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

What Tools & Technology do Wood Model Makers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Wood Model Makers:

• 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 Wood Model Makers Work

Wood Model Makers work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

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

• Set and Exhibit Designers

Those who work as a Wood Model Maker sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

• 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.