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Also known as: Aircraft Model Maker, Architectural Wood Model Maker, Builder, Building Craftsman
You arrive at the fabrication shop in industrial Chicago, the hum of machinery already a familiar sound. First, you suit up: steel-toed boots, safety glasses, and ear protection become part of your attire. Today's task is a full-scale wooden jig for a new automotive part. You boot up the workstation, pulling up the intricate 3D CAD drawings on SolidWorks, scrutinizing every dimension and tolerance before even touching a piece of lumber.
Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.
-3.3%
US average: +3.5%
100
per year (US)
700
in 2025 → 700 (2035)
High school diploma or equivalent
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.
How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.
Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)
The outlook for Wood Model Makers is projected to decline by 3.3% through 2035, with around 100 job openings expected each year. The median annual wage for this role is $56,550. People in this field often advance their careers by becoming lead model makers or specializing as prototyping technicians.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$56,550
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Technical Product Design
Vocational • Design & Architecture • 2 years
Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years
Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years