How to become a model maker, wood
Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree..Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
What model makers, wood do
- 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.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Mathematics
Is model maker, wood a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 11% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Model Makers, Wood salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.