Model Makers, Wood
Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.
Also called: Builder · Craftsman · Jig Maker · Model Builder · Model Maker · Product Development Carpenter
Median pay (national)
$51,850
$24,710–$95,850 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
360
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-4.5%
~100 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for model makers, wood shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $95,850 versus $24,710 at the bottom 10% — 3.9x. The median of $51,850 leaves roughly 85% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -4.5% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 100 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
- 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.
- Mark identifying information on patterns, parts, and templates to indicate assembly methods and details.
- Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, screws, and other fasteners.
- Select wooden stock, determine layouts, and mark layouts of parts on stock, using precision equipment such as scribers, squares, and protractors.
- Issue patterns to designated machine operators.
- 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.
Tools & technology
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Siemens NX
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing
- Design
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- English Language