Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Wood Model Makers
Wood Model Makers construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.
Table of contents
What they do
Wood Model Makers construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.
- Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measuring devices.
- Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
- 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.
- Fit, fasten and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, screws, and other fasteners.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Wood Model Makers fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, screws, and other fasteners. They trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
A typical day for a Wood Model Maker will also include:
- Construct wooden models, patterns, templates, full-scale mock-ups, and molds for parts of products and production tools.
- 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.
- Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measuring devices.
- Select wooden stock, determine layouts, and mark layouts of parts on stock, using precision equipment such as scribers, squares, and protractors.
- Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Wood Model Makers also maintain pattern records for reference. They may also mark identifying information on patterns, parts, and templates to indicate assembly methods and details.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Wood Model Makers fabricate work aids such as scrapers or templates. They might also issue patterns to designated machine operators.
In addition, they plan, layout, and draw outlines of units, sectional patterns, or full-scale mock-ups of products.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them select wooden stock, determine layouts, and mark layouts of parts on stock, using precision equipment such as scribers, squares, and protractors.
To some Wood Model Makers, it is also their responsibility to build jigs that can be used as guides for assembling oversized or special types of box shooks.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
61% said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they found their job meaningful.
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who want to work in a supportive work environment.
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required to get started.
Demand for this career is growing.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to start and carry out projects.
One of the lowest paying jobs.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Wood Model Makers with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $38,380 to $52,160 per year or $18 to $25 per hour.
| Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $82,710 | $40 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $75,650 | $36 |
| Median | $64,050 | $31 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $52,160 | $25 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $38,380 | $18 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Wood Model Makers based on their average annual salary.
| Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Executive Branch | $74200 | $35.67 |
| Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | $74100 | $35.62 |
| Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing | $49690 | $23.89 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Wood Model Makers work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Wood Model Makers including the average salary in that industry.
| Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing | 160 | $49690 | $23.89 |
| Federal Executive Branch | 50 | $74200 | $35.67 |
| Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | 40 | $74100 | $35.62 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
How often do you use email in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Cabinetmaking and Millwork
Wooden Boatbuilding Technology
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
They also like working with forms, designs, and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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