Model Makers, Wood

Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.

O*NET 30.3 Database (USDOL/ETA) · occupation code 51-7031.00

$51,850median annual wage, May 2024

360people employed, United States

▼ 4.5%projected change, 2024→2034

100openings a year, incl. replacements

What it pays

A single “average salary” hides the spread. This is the whole distribution — the gap between the bottom and top bar is usually the number that matters.

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 · national, cross-industry · annual wage

Pay over time

Median up 104% between 2003 and 2024, before inflation. The band shows the 10th to 90th percentile.

BLS OEWS, one release per year. Before May 2011 only national estimates were published, so geography detail starts there.

Typical education to enter: High school diploma or equivalent · BLS Employment Projections 2024–34

What people in this job actually do

Ordered by how important the work is rated.

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.
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.
Maintain pattern records for reference.
Build jigs that can be used as guides for assembling oversized or special types of box shooks.
Issue patterns to designated machine operators.

O*NET 30.3 task ratings, importance scale

Skills that matter most

Importance, rated 1 to 5.

Monitoring3.1

Critical Thinking3.0

Reading Comprehension3.0

Speaking3.0

Active Listening2.9

Active Learning2.8

Writing2.6

Mathematics2.4

Learning Strategies2.2

Science1.6

O*NET 30.3 skills, importance scale

Software and tools

A dot marks what O*NET flags as in demand.

Microsoft Excel●Microsoft Outlook●Microsoft PowerPoint●Microsoft Word●Dassault Systemes CATIASiemens NX

O*NET 30.3 software skills · hot-technology flag

What this work is actually like

Conditions rated against the average across all occupations — only what makes this job different is listed.

3 / 5Medium preparation — vocational training or an associate degree, plus 1–2 years of work.

O*NET 30.3 Job Zones

Working conditions that stand out

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment+2.2 above average

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled−1.9 below average

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets+1.9 above average

Written Letters and Memos−1.9 below average

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled+1.8 above average

Spend Time Sitting−1.2 below average

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General−1.1 below average

O*NET 30.3 work context, frequency scale · observed 2024-08

How people actually get in

Share of workers by the education they hold.

Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)31%

Less than a High School Diploma30%

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)20%

Bachelor's Degree14%

O*NET 30.2 education, training and experience · observed 2024-08

What kind of person the work suits

Occupational interest profile, rated 1 to 7.

Realistic7.0

Conventional4.0

Artistic3.8

O*NET 30.2 occupational interests (RIASEC)

What you take with you

Skills rated for how well they transfer into other occupations.

Operations Monitoring3.1

Time Management3.0

Judgment and Decision Making3.0

Operation and Control2.9

Operations Analysis2.9

Quality Control Analysis2.9

Complex Problem Solving2.8

Coordination2.8

O*NET 30.3 transferable skills, importance scale

Knowledge the work draws on

Production and ProcessingDesignBuilding and ConstructionEngineering and TechnologyMathematicsAdministration and Management

Abilities it leans on

Near VisionFinger DexterityArm-Hand SteadinessControl PrecisionManual DexterityVisualization

O*NET 30.3 abilities and knowledge, importance scale

How this job is advertised

The same work is posted under many titles — this is what to search for.

LofterBuilderCraftsmanJig MakerJig BuilderLoft WorkerModel MakerWood CarverSample MakerModel BuilderSample WorkerSample BuilderWood CraftsmanWood Last Maker

O*NET 30.3 job titles reported for this occupation

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O*NET 30.3 related occupations

Also called

LofterBuilderJig MakerCraftsmanWood CarverJig BuilderLoft WorkerModel MakerSample MakerSample WorkerModel BuilderWood Craftsman

O*NET 30.3 alternative titles

The same work in Europe

ESCO occupation	ISCO	Match
recreation model maker	7522.7	close

Official ESCO ↔ O*NET crosswalk (ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA)

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