Metal Model Maker
Build precise metal and plastic prototypes from engineering drawings.
- $63,340
- Years of machining experience
Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Wood Model Maker
Also called: Model Maker · Architectural Model Maker · Prototype Woodworker · Scale Model Builder
What wood model makers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a wood model maker do?
Model makers, wood, construct full-size and scale wooden models, templates and prototypes from blueprints, drawings and specifications. The median pay is $56,550 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Months to years of practice, and employment is projected to grow -3.3% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$56,550$27.19/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-3.3%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year100Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainMonths to years of practiceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs700Employment, 2025
What wood model makers do
Wood model makers build models people can see and touch. They make scale architectural models, product prototypes, exhibit pieces and templates from wood and other materials, using hand tools, saws, CNC routers and laser cutters.
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. It is a tiny occupation, and BLS projects slight decline.
Typical duties
- Read drawings
- Build models
- Machine wood parts
- Use CNC and laser cutters
- Finish models
- Work with designers
- Repair models
Work environment and schedule
Model makers work in model shops, design firms and studios.
Schedule: Full time, sometimes long hours before presentations.
A day in the life
- Review an architect’s drawings.
- Laser-cut walls.
- Assemble a building model.
- Shape landscape forms.
See a full day in the life of a wood model maker →
Wood Model Maker salary
Half of wood model makers earned more than $56,550 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $34,800 for the lowest 10% to $98,050 for the top 10%.
Full wood model maker pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a wood model maker
- Learn woodworking
- Build a portfolio
- Learn CAD and lasers
- Join a model shop
- Advance
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical; design or woodworking training helps.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a wood model maker →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Woodworking
- Scale reading
- CNC routing
- Laser cutting
- Finishing
People skills
- Creativity
- Patience
- Precision
- Communication
All wood model maker skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Creative craft
- Variety of projects
- Work with designers
- Hands-on
Cons
- Tiny field
- Deadline crunches
- Dust
- Few openings
Certifications and licenses
- Woodworking certificate: Trade school.
- CAD certificate: Helpful.
- CNC router training: Helpful.
- Safety training: Shop.
Career path
- Shop Assistant: Entry.
- Model Maker: Build.
- Senior Model Maker: Lead projects.
- Model Shop Manager: Lead.
Learn the job before day one
Our Wood Model Maker training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as build an architectural massing model and convert real dimensions to scale, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Carpenter
Build and repair frameworks, structures and finish work from wood and other materials.
- $60,580
- 3–4 years (apprenticeship)
Cabinetmaker
Build cabinets, furniture and custom woodwork.
- $46,680
- Months to years of training
Architect
Design buildings that are safe, useful and beautiful.
- $99,280
- 5–7 years of school plus internship
Compare: Wood Model Maker vs. Metal Model Maker · Wood Model Maker vs. Carpenter · Wood Model Maker vs. Cabinetmaker · Wood Model Maker vs. Architect
Wood Model Maker FAQ
Is model making a common job?
No, it’s very small.
Do I need a degree?
No, but a portfolio matters.
Where do model makers work?
Architecture firms, model shops, museums and design studios.
How much does a wood model maker make?
The median annual wage for wood model makers was $56,550 ($27.19 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,800 and the highest 10% earned more than $98,050.
How long does it take to become a wood model maker?
Most people need about Months to years of practice of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical; design or woodworking training helps.
Do you need a degree to be a wood model maker?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More wood model maker questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-7031 (Model makers, wood).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Model makers, wood (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.