Model makers, wood
SOC Code: 51-7031Also known as:
Aircraft Model Maker, Architectural Wood Model Maker, Builder, Building Craftsman, Craftsman
Median Annual Salary
$51,850
-4.5% growth (2024-2034)
100
Openings/Year
900
Current Jobs
What Model makers, wood Do
Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.
💰 Salary
$51,850
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-4.5%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
100
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
900
Projected Employment (2034)
900
Related Careers
Structural metal fabricators and fitters
$49,900 •
-16.3% growth
Model makers, metal and plastic
$62,700 •
-18.2% growth
Layout workers, metal and plastic
$61,870 •
-5.4% growth
Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters
$46,020 •
-1.6% growth
Patternmakers, wood
$52,520 •
-5.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
- Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, screws, and other fasteners.
- Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measuring devices.
- Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Model makers, wood
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a model makers, wood:
Cabinetmaking and Millwork
464 degrees awarded •
40 colleges offer this program
Wooden Boatbuilding Technology/Technician
41 degrees awarded •
2 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Model makers, wood
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become model makers, wood.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do model makers, wood make?
The median annual salary for model makers, wood is $51,850.
What education do model makers, wood need?
Most model makers, wood positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Cabinetmaking and Millwork, Wooden Boatbuilding Technology/Technician.
Is becoming a model makers, wood a good career choice?
Model makers, wood is projected to see -4.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for model makers, wood?
Top colleges for aspiring model makers, wood include
Michigan Career and Technical Institute, Central Piedmont Community College, Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Fox Valley Technical College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to model makers, wood?
Model makers, wood may also be known as: Aircraft Model Maker, Architectural Wood Model Maker, Builder, Building Craftsman, Craftsman, Jig Builder, Jig Maker, Last Model Maker, Loft Worker, Lofter, Model Builder, Model Maker, Product Craftsman, Product Development Carpenter, Production Craftsman, Production Wood Craftsman, Sample Builder, Sample Maker, Sample Worker, Ship and Boat Loft Worker.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.