Model Makers, Wood

Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.

What you'd actually do

• 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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the day is spent working solo; time pressure is a real part of the job. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 57.8% of model makers, wood are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, organized and detail-focused and creative.

Related careers

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• Tire Builders
• Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

Quick questions

How much does a model makers, wood make?

The median pay is $27.19 per hour — roughly $56,500 a year, with the real range running from about $16.73/hr (10th percentile) to $47.14/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a model makers, wood?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a model makers, wood actually do all day?

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.