What is a Wood Model Maker?

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

List of Wood Model Maker Job Duties

• Finish patterns or models with protective or decorative coatings such as shellac, lacquer, or wax.
• Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
• Mark identifying information on patterns, parts, and templates to indicate assembly methods and details.
• Build jigs that can be used as guides for assembling oversized or special types of box shooks.
• 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.

What a Wood Model Maker Should Know

Below is a list of the skills most Wood Model Makers say are important on the job.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Types of Wood Model Maker

• Loft Worker
• Model Builder
• Jig Builder
• Production Wood Craftsman
• Product Engineer

Are There Job Opportunities for Wood Model Makers?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 1,900 jobs in the United States for Wood Model Maker. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Wood Model Maker. There will be an estimated 200 positions for Wood Model Maker per year.

The states with the most job growth for Wood Model Maker are Idaho, Maine, and North Carolina. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, North Carolina, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does a Wood Model Maker Make?

Wood Model Makers make between $31,850 and $78,010 a year.

Wood Model Makers who work in Georgia, New York, or Wisconsin, make the highest salaries.

How much do Wood Model Makers make in each U.S. state?

State	Annual Mean Salary
Georgia	$52,620
New York	$44,730
Wisconsin	$38,580

What Tools & Technology do Wood Model Makers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Wood Model Makers:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Outlook
• Dassault Systemes CATIA
• Siemens NX

How do I Become a Wood Model Maker?

What kind of Wood Model Maker requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Wood Model Maker?

Where Wood Model Makers Are Employed

The table below shows the approximate number of Wood Model Makers employed by various industries.

Related Careers

Those thinking about becoming a Wood Model Maker might also be interested in the following careers:

• Set and Exhibit Designers

Career changers with experience as a Wood Model Maker sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

• Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
• Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Sadie Colbert via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.