How much does a wood patternmaker make?

Pay in the U.S. can vary with experience and skills such as precision woodworking, blueprint reading, and computer design. It also depends on the employer or industry and location; overtime or shift premiums can change total pay.

Plan, lay out, and construct wooden unit or sectional patterns used in forming sand molds for castings.

What's a typical day like?

They read blueprints, mark lumber, and cut, shape, and join wooden pieces with hand tools and woodworking machines. Then they measure the finished pattern, smooth its surfaces, and repair damaged patterns.

Finish high school and learn shop math, blueprint reading, and woodworking. In the U.S., build skills through vocational classes or on the job; some apprenticeships accept people from age 16, and a special license is usually not needed.

Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and creating.

The wood pattern is made bigger than the metal part it will create, because the hot metal shrinks as it cools.