Patternmakers (Wood)
O*NET title: Patternmakers, Wood
Plan, lay out, and construct wooden unit or sectional patterns used in forming sand molds for castings.
Also called: Forms Builder, Mold Forms Builder, Mold Maker, Pattern Engineer, Pattern Maker, Pattern Worker
Median pay
$49,630
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$37,600 – $83,780
People employed
220
Holland code
RAC
Realistic · Artistic · Conventional
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 OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 2.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 3.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Long hours on your feet
Patternmakers (Wood) pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (1 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What patternmakers (wood) do
- 01Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications 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, and screws.
- 03Lay 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.
- 04Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
- 05Divide patterns into sections according to shapes of castings to facilitate removal of patterns from molds.
- 06Verify dimensions of completed patterns, using templates, straightedges, calipers, or protractors.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
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 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 4 years, up to and including 10 years.
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 patternmakers (wood)
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic87% · +17%
- Model Makers, Metal and Plastic85% · +28%
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic84% · +29%
- Tool and Die Makers80% · +29%
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters79% · +3%
Change into patternmakers (wood)
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic85% · $58,000
- Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing75% · $46,170
- Model Makers, Metal and Plastic71% · $63,340
- Potters, Manufacturing69% · $46,170
- Gem and Diamond Workers63% · $52,540
Majors that lead here
- Cabinetmaking and Millwork
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.