Life As a Wood Model Maker

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

Life As a Wood Model Maker: What Do They Do?

• Fabricate work aids such as scrapers or templates.
• Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
• Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measuring devices.
• Plan, lay out, and draw outlines of units, sectional patterns, or full-scale mock-ups of products.
• Construct wooden models, patterns, templates, full scale mock-ups, and molds for parts of products and production tools.
• 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.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Wood Model Maker?

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.

Related Job Titles

• Model Maker
• CAD Technician (Computer Aided Drafting Technician)
• Sample Maker
• Model Builder
• Wood Last Maker

Are There Job Opportunities for Wood Model Makers?

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 Salary

The average yearly salary of a Wood Model Maker ranges 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 different U.S. states?

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

What Tools & Technology 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

Becoming a Wood Model Maker

Education needed to be a Wood Model Maker:

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

Where do Wood Model Makers Work?

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

Similar Careers

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.