Production
Model makers, wood
Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.
Median pay
$56,550
Growth to 2035
−3%
declining
Openings a year
100
Time to qualify*
6 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Model makers, wood
$56,55010% earn under $34,800 · middle half $37,660–$87,150 · top 10% over $98,050
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Model makers, wood
Dealing with the public
Rarely
Constantly
Unpleasant or angry people
Rarely
Constantly
Time pressure
Rarely
Constantly
Cost of a mistake
Minor
Severe
Freedom to make decisions
Little
A lot
Repeating the same tasks
Rarely
Constantly
Time sitting
Rarely
Constantly
Time standing
Rarely
Constantly
Model makers, wood: 23% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Builder · Craftsman · Jig Maker · Model Builder · Model Maker · Product Development Carpenter · Sample Builder · Sample Maker
Outlook and AI
Model makers, wood held 700 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 700 by 2035 (−3%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Model makers, wood vs. Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters
- Model makers, wood vs. Layout workers, metal and plastic
- Model makers, wood vs. Patternmakers, wood
- Model makers, wood vs. Model makers, metal and plastic
- Model makers, wood vs. Structural metal fabricators and fitters
- Model makers, wood vs. Carpenter
- Model makers, wood vs. Patternmakers, metal and plastic
- Model makers, wood vs. Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing
- Model makers, wood vs. Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
- Model makers, wood vs. Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic