Patternmakers, Wood
Plan, lay out, and construct wooden unit or sectional patterns used in forming sand molds for castings.
Also called: Mold Maker · Pattern Engineer · Pattern Maker · Patternmaker · Wood Pattern Maker · Wood Patternmaker
Median pay (national)
$52,520
$40,730–$83,330 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
180
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-5%
~0 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for patternmakers, wood shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $83,330 versus $40,730 at the bottom 10% — 2.0x. The median of $52,520 leaves roughly 59% 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 -5% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 0 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Monitoring, Active Listening 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.
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
- Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
- Repair broken or damaged patterns.
- 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.
- 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.
Tools & technology
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- 3D Systems Geomagic Design X
- Delcam PowerMILL
- Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
Knowledge areas
- Mathematics
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Administration and Management
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service