Occupation · SOC 51-7031
Model Makers, Wood
Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.
Median wage
$51,850
$24,710–$95,850
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
360
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
54 mapped
Core skills
Operations MonitoringMonitoringTime ManagementSpeakingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingQuality Control AnalysisOperations AnalysisOperation and ControlActive ListeningSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningWritingService OrientationMathematicsLearning StrategiesInstructingTroubleshootingSystems AnalysisPersuasionManagement of Personnel ResourcesEquipment SelectionSystems EvaluationEquipment MaintenanceTechnology DesignRepairingNegotiationScienceManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesInstallationProgramming
Knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingDesignBuilding and ConstructionMathematicsEngineering and TechnologyAdministration and ManagementMechanicalEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceComputers and ElectronicsEducation and TrainingPhysicsPublic Safety and SecurityAdministrativeSales and MarketingEconomics and AccountingTransportationChemistryForeign LanguagePersonnel and Human ResourcesHistory and ArcheologyCommunications and MediaTelecommunicationsSociology and AnthropologyGeographyPsychologyLaw and GovernmentFine ArtsMedicine and DentistryPhilosophy and TheologyBiologyTherapy and Counseling
Technology & tools
Dassault Systemes CATIAMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSiemens NX
Representative tasks
Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsGetting InformationThinking CreativelyCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProcessing InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleCoaching and Developing OthersEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationTraining and Teaching OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationScheduling Work and ActivitiesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersWorking with ComputersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesPerforming Administrative ActivitiesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesPerforming for or Working Directly with the Public
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Blueprints and written specifications — read and interpret under direct supervision to identify basic dimensions and shape requirements for wood model assignments.Hand tools including planes, files, rasps, and sandpaper — use under guidance to trim and smooth wood surfaces toward specified contours on training projects.Wooden stock selection — identify appropriate grain, species, and dimensions from available materials following supervisor direction in a production shop setting.Fasteners including nails, screws, glue, and dowels — apply using established procedures to assemble basic wood pattern sections under close oversight.Templates and measuring devices — use to verify key dimensions and contours of partially formed models at checkpoints directed by a lead craftsperson.Layout lines and part outlines — mark on wooden stock using squares, scribes, and protractors following provided drawings in a pattern-making workshop.Identifying marks and assembly codes — apply to finished parts and templates according to shop standards under supervisor instruction.Pattern and model components — fit together in correct sequence by following step-by-step assembly instructions provided by experienced model makers.Basic CAD software and word processing tools — navigate to retrieve work orders, drawings, and specifications relevant to assigned model-making tasks.Shop safety protocols and tool maintenance routines — follow consistently to protect equipment and personnel in a woodworking production environment.
developing
Blueprints, drawings, and designer specifications — interpret with limited oversight to determine pattern sizes, shapes, and required machine setups for routine model assignments.Full-scale mock-ups and sectional patterns — plan, lay out, and draw outlines for standard product components working from provided engineering documents.Hand shaping tools and finishing equipment — apply with consistent accuracy to plane, shave, scrape, and sand wood models to specified tolerances on repetitive production runs.Multi-part wood assemblies — fit, fasten, and align using appropriate fasteners and adhesives, confirming squareness and joint integrity before final assembly.Dimensional verification — conduct independently using templates, calipers, and measuring devices throughout the hand-forming process to catch deviations early.Wooden stock layouts — determine and mark efficiently using precision scribers, squares, and protractors to minimize material waste on standard production models.Assembly annotations and identification marks — record accurately on patterns, parts, and templates to communicate assembly methods to downstream production staff.Time and workflow management — organize daily tasks and tool setups to meet production schedules for multiple concurrent model-making assignments.Spreadsheet and CAD software — use routinely to cross-reference dimensions, track part revisions, and retrieve updated drawings for in-progress models.Non-routine surface defects and fit problems — identify during operations monitoring and apply practiced corrective techniques before escalating to senior craftspeople.
proficient
Complex blueprints and multi-sheet drawing packages — analyze autonomously and consult directly with designers to resolve ambiguities and confirm pattern geometry before fabrication.Wooden models, patterns, templates, molds, and full-scale mock-ups — construct end-to-end across a wide range of product types and production tooling requirements without supervisory oversight.Non-standard shapes and compound contours — achieve through advanced hand-forming, selective stock removal, and iterative template checking in demanding production environments.Critical dimensions and geometric tolerances — verify at all stages using precision measurement equipment, applying engineering mathematics to assess conformance and document results.Material selection strategy — evaluate wood species, grain orientation, moisture content, and cut type to optimize pattern stability and longevity for specific casting or production applications.Full-scale layout and sectional pattern planning — develop independently for complex assemblies, anticipating shrinkage allowances, draft angles, and machining stock requirements.Production scheduling conflicts and quality deviations — diagnose using judgment and critical thinking, determining root causes and implementing corrective action within the model shop.CAD software — use proficiently to interpret 3D design data, extract cross-sections, and generate dimensional references that guide precision hand-crafting of wooden models.Junior and apprentice model makers — guide through complex hand-tool operations and blueprint reading, providing real-time technical feedback on the shop floor.Assembly and identification documentation — author and maintain to a standard that ensures accurate reproduction of models by other craftspeople across production shifts.
advanced
Shop-wide model-making standards and competency frameworks — develop and implement to establish consistent quality benchmarks and skill progression pathways across the production workforce.Complex design-to-fabrication workflows — lead from initial designer consultation through final pattern delivery, coordinating between engineering, production, and quality teams at organizational scale.Advanced pattern construction methodologies — evaluate, select, and introduce for novel or high-complexity products, applying deep knowledge of wood behavior, engineering design, and manufacturing processes.Organizational CAD and digital tooling strategy — define and oversee adoption of CAD, spreadsheet, and related software to modernize documentation and improve pattern accuracy across the shop.Apprentices, developing craftspeople, and mid-level model makers — mentor systematically through structured on-the-job programs, transferring expert knowledge of hand-tool techniques, layout, and assembly.Production quality systems and inspection protocols — design and institutionalize to ensure dimensional accuracy and pattern integrity meet downstream casting and tooling requirements at volume.Cross-functional improvement initiatives — lead with engineering, design, and management stakeholders to reduce material waste, shorten lead times, and resolve systemic pattern defect issues.Technical risk and feasibility — assess for unprecedented model-making projects, applying advanced visualization and engineering judgment to guide go/no-go decisions before resource commitment.Workforce capability gaps — identify through ongoing performance monitoring and commission targeted training interventions aligned with evolving production technology and materials.Organizational knowledge assets including master templates, reference patterns, and best-practice documentation — curate and govern to preserve institutional expertise and support consistent model-making quality.
Also known as
30 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Aircraft Model MakerArchitectural Wood Model MakerBuilderBuilding CraftsmanCraftsmanJig BuilderJig MakerLast Model MakerLoft WorkerLofterModel BuilderModel MakerProduct CraftsmanProduct Development CarpenterProduction CraftsmanProduction Wood CraftsmanSample BuilderSample MakerSample WorkerShip and Boat Loft WorkerSpecial CraftsmanTechnical CraftsmanWood CarverWood Containing Jig BuilderWood CraftsmanWood Last MakerWood Model BuilderWood Model MakerWood Window and Door CraftsmanWoodworking Craftsman