Model Makers, Wood
SOC code 51-7031 · O*NET-SOC 51-7031.00 · Medium preparation needed · Manufacturing and production
Model Makers, Wood pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$56,550
a year
Hourly
$27.19
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$63,670
$30.61 per hour
Middle 50%
$37,660 – $87,150
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$34,800 – $98,050
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
280
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $34,800
- $16.73/hr
- 25th percentile
- $37,660
- $18.10/hr
- Median percentile
- $56,550
- $27.19/hr
- 75th percentile
- $87,150
- $41.90/hr
- 90th percentile
- $98,050
- $47.14/hr
What do model makers, wood do?
Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
- Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, screws, and other fasteners.
- Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measuring devices.
- Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
- Plan, lay out, and draw outlines of units, sectional patterns, or full-scale mock-ups of products.
- Construct wooden models, patterns, templates, full scale mock-ups, and molds for parts of products and production tools.
- Select wooden stock, determine layouts, and mark layouts of parts on stock, using precision equipment such as scribers, squares, and protractors.
- Mark identifying information on patterns, parts, and templates to indicate assembly methods and details.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 31% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Post-Secondary Certificate31%
- Less than a High School Diploma30%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)20%
- Bachelor's Degree14%
Common questions
How much does a model makers, wood earn?
The national median is $56,550 a year. The full range runs from $34,800 at the 10th percentile to $98,050 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a model makers, wood without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Monitoring3.1/5
- Reading Comprehension3.0/5
- Speaking3.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Active Listening2.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing4.0/5
- Design3.8/5
- Building and Construction3.6/5
- Engineering and Technology3.4/5
- Mathematics3.4/5
- Administration and Management3.4/5
- Mechanical3.2/5
- English Language3.0/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management, Operations Analysis, Operation and Control.