What it pays
Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.
Half of all Model Makers, Wood in the U.S. earn more than $56,550 a year — the middle 80% land between $34,800 and $98,050. About 280 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Model Makers, Wood”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Plant and machine operators and assemblers earn about ₹17,329 a month on average — around ₹2.1 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$56,550typical pay / year
280people in this work
$98,050+top 10% earn
₹2.1 lakha year in India (family avg)
Think you get this job?Six quick questions on how it really works — with a hint and the reason behind every answer.
Test yourself →The work, task by task
These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.
Make4
Plan and lay out patterns or mock-ups
+Plan layouts for the 72-inch mascot signage: sketch full-size pattern sheets for front and side panels, mark…
Plan and lay out patterns or mock-ups
+Plan layouts for the 72-inch mascot signage: sketch full-size pattern sheets for front and side panels, mark material grain and protective laminate edges, note dielines and mounting holes, then print two paper mock-ups for shop review by Thursday.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Wordjob descriptionsO*NET
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Use hand tools to shape models
+Shape the foam model for the train mascot using rasps, files and carving knives: follow the sculpt lines on…
Use hand tools to shape models
+Shape the foam model for the train mascot using rasps, files and carving knives: follow the sculpt lines on the template, keep facial symmetry, stop for a fit check on the aluminum armature, then apply one coat of sealant and record tool wear.
The tools that do the workDassault Systemes CATIAjob descriptionsO*NET
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Verify dimensions and contours of models
+Measure the prototype letters and verify contours against the pattern: take caliper and contour gauge…
Verify dimensions and contours of models
+Measure the prototype letters and verify contours against the pattern: take caliper and contour gauge readings at five points per letter, compare to the pattern drawing, note any deviations over 1.5 millimetres, and flag letters needing rework before finishing.
The tools that do the workSiemens NXESCOjob descriptions
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Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts
+Assemble the painted letter set: fit and glue the internal cleats, screw and countersink battens, clamp…
Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts
+Assemble the painted letter set: fit and glue the internal cleats, screw and countersink battens, clamp overnight, check joint gaps under light, sand flush, then apply two coats of protective lacquer and pack the set with foam corners for shipping.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptionsO*NET
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Keeping the record2
Construct patterns, templates, and molds
+Build the plywood templates and silicone moulds for the toy-themed sign run: cut full-size plywood masters,…
Construct patterns, templates, and molds
+Build the plywood templates and silicone moulds for the toy-themed sign run: cut full-size plywood masters, sand and seal them, lay up silicone moulds with vent channels and registration keys, then label each mould with run number and cure date.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft PowerPointjob descriptionsO*NET
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Maintain pattern records
+Update the pattern archive with the latest mascot panels: scan the revised full-size pattern sheets, rename…
Maintain pattern records
+Update the pattern archive with the latest mascot panels: scan the revised full-size pattern sheets, rename files with part number and revision date, enter the revision note and storage location into the master index, and email the production lead the updated record.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Outlookjob descriptionsO*NET
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The daily work14
Toys and games safety recommendations
+Draft a one-page safety recommendation for our wooden toy signs covering age-grade labels, choking-hazard…
Toys and games safety recommendations
+Draft a one-page safety recommendation for our wooden toy signs covering age-grade labels, choking-hazard notes, non-toxic finishes, rounded edges radius, and packaging warnings, circulate to Priya in procurement and to Raj in quality for sign-off by Friday.
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Design scale models
+Create scaled model drawings of the display signs at 1:5 and 1:10 with material callouts, corner radii,…
Design scale models
+Create scaled model drawings of the display signs at 1:5 and 1:10 with material callouts, corner radii, protective coating thickness, and assembly tabs, then send the PDFs to Tom in production and Maya in packing for feasibility feedback by Wednesday.
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Build jigs for assembling oversized parts
+Build jigs to hold three oversized panel shapes for glue-up and routing, dimensioned to the shop table, with…
Build jigs for assembling oversized parts
+Build jigs to hold three oversized panel shapes for glue-up and routing, dimensioned to the shop table, with clamp locations, registration pins, and clearances for the spindle router so assemblies stay flat and repeatable.
The tools that do the workSiemens NXjob descriptionsO*NET
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Issue patterns to designated machine operators.
+Issue the run patterns for this morning: send Cut Pattern A, Laminate Pattern B, and Route Pattern C to Joe,…
Issue patterns to designated machine operators.
+Issue the run patterns for this morning: send Cut Pattern A, Laminate Pattern B, and Route Pattern C to Joe, Maria and Tom with sequence notes, tolerances and the required laminate side up so operators know order and priority.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft OutlookO*NET
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Finish patterns or models with protective or decorative coatings such as shellac, lacquer, or wax.
+Finish the five display models with a clear shellac sealer, sand between coats to 220 grit, then apply the…
Finish patterns or models with protective or decorative coatings such as shellac, lacquer, or wax.
+Finish the five display models with a clear shellac sealer, sand between coats to 220 grit, then apply the lacquer topcoat for a satin finish and log batch numbers and drying times before packing.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordO*NET
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Set up and operate woodworking machines
+Set up the tablesaw, planer and spindle moulder for the production run: verify blade heights, fence…
Set up and operate woodworking machines
+Set up the tablesaw, planer and spindle moulder for the production run: verify blade heights, fence alignment, feed speeds and guards, then run three test parts and record pass/fail before releasing full production.
The tools that do the workSiemens NXjob descriptions
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Mark identifying information on parts
+Mark each completed part with part number, batch code and orientation arrow using the permanent ink stamp,…
Mark identifying information on parts
+Mark each completed part with part number, batch code and orientation arrow using the permanent ink stamp, then photograph and update the traceability log so any defect can be tracked to its run.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptions
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Apply a protective layer
+Apply the protective layer to ten retail signs: de-grease, spray two thin coats of wax sealer allowing forty…
Apply a protective layer
+Apply the protective layer to ten retail signs: de-grease, spray two thin coats of wax sealer allowing forty minutes flash between coats, buff to a uniform sheen and note any runs or surface defects on the QC sheet.
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Toys and games trends
+Research this quarter’s toys and games trends and produce a one-page brief summarising top three material…
Toys and games trends
+Research this quarter’s toys and games trends and produce a one-page brief summarising top three material choices, three popular colour palettes, and two finishing methods that affect sign durability, due Thursday for the design team review.
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Ensure quality of final product
+Inspect the finished batch of acrylic signs and log any surface defects, adhesive failures, or misalignments…
Ensure quality of final product
+Inspect the finished batch of acrylic signs and log any surface defects, adhesive failures, or misalignments on the quality checklist, flagging any item exceeding one millimetre error and email the defects list to production and procurement by end of day.
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Toys and games industry
+Compile a two-page overview of the toys and games industry clients we target, listing five recent project…
Toys and games industry
+Compile a two-page overview of the toys and games industry clients we target, listing five recent project types, typical material specs they request, and three pricing expectations to inform sales, ready Monday morning.
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Pack goods
+Prepare packing instructions for this week’s outgoing orders: list box sizes, foam insert layout, protective…
Pack goods
+Prepare packing instructions for this week’s outgoing orders: list box sizes, foam insert layout, protective layer sequence, and handling notes for fragile signs, then send the instructions to the shipping floor supervisor before the 2pm shift change.
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Perform toys finishing
+Complete the toys finishing run: apply the protective topcoat, inspect for runs or orange peel, record cure…
Perform toys finishing
+Complete the toys finishing run: apply the protective topcoat, inspect for runs or orange peel, record cure times and batch numbers, and confirm the finished pieces meet gloss and adhesion standards before moving to packing.
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Assemble toys
+Assemble the toy signage kits: fit bezels, snap in printed panels, secure fasteners, add protective film,…
Assemble toys
+Assemble the toy signage kits: fit bezels, snap in printed panels, secure fasteners, add protective film, count and pack three kits per box, and update the outbound order sheet with serial numbers and quantities.
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Says who?
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Activities this job lives in
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The logs, files & records this job keeps
Shared with other careers — the same record means something different in each.
Related careers
Same family of work — each with its own tasks and prompts.
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Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses
Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses