Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Model makers, wood, work in a small, specialized occupation with national employment of about 1,000 people. The role centers on hands-on, mechanically focused work that draws heavily on fine motor abilities, creativity and innovation, and strong attention to detail. Professionals in this field rely on a mix of physical strength and stamina, mechanical aptitude, and analytical thinking, supported by mathematics, science, and solid reading and writing skills. Leadership capabilities can also play a role, particularly for those who coordinate work or guide others in a shop setting. With a national median annual salary of $51,850, this path can offer a stable income for individuals who enjoy precise, craft-based work and problem-solving. However, the projected employment growth of -4.5% and zero reported annual openings indicate that opportunities may be limited, so careful planning and flexibility are important for anyone considering this career.
Model makers, wood, earn a national median annual salary of $51,850. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings nationally, meaning half of workers in the occupation earn more and half earn less. For a relatively small occupation with national employment of about 1,000 people, this median suggests that the role can support a solid income for workers who develop and maintain the required skills. Because the role depends on a blend of fine motor ability, mechanical aptitude, and analytical thinking, pay reflects the specialized nature of the work. While no additional data is provided about salary variation by region or experience level, workers who strengthen related skills such as leadership, mathematics, and science may be better positioned to pursue higher-paying roles within shops or production environments that value those abilities. Overall, the salary level can be attractive for individuals whose interests align with detailed, hands-on, wood-based model work.
The employment outlook for model makers, wood, is currently challenging. National employment stands at about 1,000 workers, and projected employment growth is -4.5%. This indicates an expected decline in the number of positions over the projection period. In addition, annual openings are reported as 0, reinforcing that new job opportunities may be scarce. For students, job seekers, or career changers, this means that entering the field may require persistence, networking, or a willingness to compete for a limited number of positions. The small size of the occupation also suggests that local job availability may vary significantly from place to place. Individuals attracted to this work may want to consider how their skills in fine motor work, mechanical tasks, mathematics, science, and leadership could transfer to related roles, including similar occupations such as other production or machine-setting positions, when planning long-term career moves.
No specific states or metro areas are identified as having higher CareerGPS opportunity scores for model makers, wood. As a result, there is no evidence of clearly defined geographic “hot spots” or regions where this career is especially concentrated or promising. With national employment at about 1,000 workers and a projected growth rate of -4.5%, the occupation appears both small and declining overall, which may translate into limited openings in many locations. Job seekers may therefore need to look broadly across regions rather than focusing on a single city or state as a primary destination. Because no detailed rankings or comparisons by state or metro are available, it is not possible to point to specific places with stronger prospects. Instead, anyone pursuing this path should be prepared for meaningful differences in opportunity from one local market to another and may want to remain flexible about where they live and work.
The typical education requirement for model makers, wood, is a high school diploma or equivalent. This means the occupation is accessible without a college degree, making it a potential option for individuals who want to enter the workforce relatively quickly. However, success in this career depends heavily on a set of developed skills. Fine motor ability and being detail oriented are central to performing precise, accurate work. Creativity and innovation support the design and refinement of models, while mechanical skills help with understanding tools, equipment, and processes. Mathematics and science knowledge contribute to accurate measurements and problem-solving. Critical and analytical thinking underpin sound judgment and decision-making, and strong writing and reading skills assist with following instructions and documenting work. Leadership skills can also be valuable, particularly in roles that involve coordinating tasks or guiding other workers. Together, these competencies complement the baseline educational requirement and shape long-term advancement potential within this craft-focused field.
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