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Wooden Model Makers

💰 Earn $40K-$80K
📚 High School Diploma or GED
⏱️ 12–24 Month Training
📈 -4.5% Job Growth
  • Ideal for those who love crafting detailed, precise wooden models and prototypes.
  • Contribute to innovative designs by shaping and refining wooden model structures.
  • Unique blend of artistry and technical skill in woodworking and model making.
Wooden Model Makers
What Wooden Model Makers DoConstruct 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.
  • Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
Wooden Model Makers Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED
Career ProspectsRisky (Decreasing by 5% or more)
Training Time1 to 2 years
Job Openings100 Annually
Median Earnings
$51,850 in California
$51,850 Nationally

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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Being creative or artistic
  • Using data or completing tasks
  • Working with my hands
you value
  • Accomplishing things
  • Having support
  • Having freedom
you are skilled in
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Quality Control Analysis
Go Deeper: Wooden Model Makers Explained
Wooden Model MakersExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
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Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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