Model Makers (Wood)
O*NET title: Model Makers, Wood
Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.
Also called: Aircraft Model Maker, Architectural Wood Model Maker, Builder, Building Craftsman, Craftsman, Jig Builder
Median pay
$56,550
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$34,800 – $98,050
People employed
280
Holland code
RCA
Realistic · Conventional · Artistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 6.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Long hours on your feet
Model Makers (Wood) pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (1 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What model makers (wood) do
- 01Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
- 02Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, screws, and other fasteners.
- 03Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measuring devices.
- 04Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
- 05Plan, lay out, and draw outlines of units, sectional patterns, or full-scale mock-ups of products.
- 06Construct wooden models, patterns, templates, full scale mock-ups, and molds for parts of products and production tools.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Design
- Building and Construction
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from model makers (wood)
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic90% · +13%
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters87% · −9%
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic85% · +3%
- Model Makers, Metal and Plastic81% · +12%
- Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing78% · group pay
Change into model makers (wood)
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic82% · $58,000
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic81% · $63,870
- Model Makers, Metal and Plastic78% · $63,340
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers73% · $58,970
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons72% · $62,120
Majors that lead here
- Cabinetmaking and Millwork
- Wooden Boatbuilding Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.