Patternmakers, wood
SOC Code: 51-7032Also known as:
Forms Builder, Mold Forms Builder, Mold Maker, Pattern Engineer, Pattern Maker
Median Annual Salary
$52,520
-5.0% growth (2024-2034)
N/A
Openings/Year
500
Current Jobs
What Patternmakers, wood Do
Plan, lay out, and construct wooden unit or sectional patterns used in forming sand molds for castings.
💰 Salary
$52,520
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-5.0%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
N/A
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
500
Projected Employment (2034)
400
Related Careers
Structural metal fabricators and fitters
$49,900 •
-16.3% growth
Patternmakers, metal and plastic
$54,540 •
-24.4% growth
Layout workers, metal and plastic
$61,870 •
-5.4% growth
Fabric and apparel patternmakers
$67,670 •
-10.2% growth
Model makers, wood
$51,850 •
-4.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Monitoring
Complex Problem Solving
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications 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, and screws.
- Lay out patterns on wood stock and draw outlines of units, sectional patterns, or full-scale mock-ups of products, based on blueprint specifications and sketches, and using marking and measuring devices.
- Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
- Divide patterns into sections according to shapes of castings to facilitate removal of patterns from molds.
- Verify dimensions of completed patterns, using templates, straightedges, calipers, or protractors.
- Correct patterns to compensate for defects in castings.
- Set up, operate, and adjust a variety of woodworking machines such as bandsaws and lathes to cut and shape sections, parts, and patterns, according to specifications.
- Finish completed products or models with shellac, lacquer, wax, or paint.
- Estimate costs for patternmaking jobs.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Patternmakers, wood
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a patternmakers, wood:
Cabinetmaking and Millwork
464 degrees awarded •
40 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Patternmakers, wood
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become patternmakers, wood.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do patternmakers, wood make?
The median annual salary for patternmakers, wood is $52,520.
What education do patternmakers, wood need?
Most patternmakers, wood positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Cabinetmaking and Millwork.
Is becoming a patternmakers, wood a good career choice?
Patternmakers, wood is projected to see -5.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 0 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for patternmakers, wood?
Top colleges for aspiring patternmakers, 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 patternmakers, wood?
Patternmakers, wood may also be known as: Forms Builder, Mold Forms Builder, Mold Maker, Pattern Engineer, Pattern Maker, Pattern Worker, Patternmaker, Production Patternmaker, Wood Die Maker, Wood Experimental Mechanic, Wood Pattern Maker, Wood Patternmaker, Wood Shop Moldmaker, Woodshop Worker.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.