Model Makers, Wood
Model makers in wood construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products for design, testing, and demonstration purposes. This work takes place in manufacturing facilities, design studios, and woodworking shops. The role includes building wooden jigs and working as loft workers, creating accurate representations based on specifications and blueprints.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against model makers, wood and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reading technical drawings and blueprints, measuring and cutting wood to precise specifications, and assembling components into finished models. Model makers operate woodworking machinery, hand tools, and measuring instruments to achieve exact dimensions. Work includes quality checks to ensure accuracy, problem-solving when dimensions don't align, and sometimes creating custom fixtures or jigs needed for production or assembly processes.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCA. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely succeed in this work if you're detail-oriented and enjoy seeing concrete results from your hands-on effort. People who do well here tend to prefer structured, rule-based tasks and appreciate the satisfaction of building something real and measurable from wood and specifications.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- MODEL MAKER · Naval Air Systems Command · China Lake, California · $39.99–$46.7
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $34,800 | $35,900 | $36,660 | — |
All 1 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against model makers, wood and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-7031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.