Career Overview
Plan, lay out, and construct wooden unit or sectional patterns used in forming sand molds for castings.
Also Known As
- Mold Maker
- Pattern Maker
- Patternmaker
- Wood Pattern Maker
Alternate Job Titles
- Forms Builder
- Mold Forms Builder
- Mold Maker
- Pattern Engineer
- Pattern Maker
- Pattern Worker
- Patternmaker
- Production Patternmaker
- Wood Die Maker
- Wood Experimental Mechanic
- Wood Pattern Maker
- Wood Patternmaker
- Wood Shop Moldmaker
- Woodshop Worker
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
- Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, and screws.
- Lay out patterns on wood stock and draw outlines of units, sectional patterns, or full-scale mock-ups of products, based on blueprint specifications and sketches, and using marking and measuring devices.
- Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
- Divide patterns into sections according to shapes of castings to facilitate removal of patterns from molds.
- Verify dimensions of completed patterns, using templates, straightedges, calipers, or protractors.
- Correct patterns to compensate for defects in castings.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mathematics
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Manual Dexterity
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Reaction Time
- Finger Dexterity
- Information Ordering
- Visualization
- Static Strength
- Selective Attention
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Achievement Orientation
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Automatic lathes
- Bandsaws
- Benchtop drill presses
- Carpenters' hammers
- Cleaning scrapers
- Computer numerically controlled CNC routers
- Cordless power sanders
- Digital bench scales
- Digital calipers
- Digital micrometers
- Hand planers
- Measuring tapes
- Milling machines
- Mini hacksaws
Work Environment
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Freedom to Make Decisions
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $40,730 |
| Median | $52,520 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $83,330 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 180
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Education: Some College Courses
Median Salary: $54,540
Model Makers, Wood
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $51,850
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $61,870
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $67,670
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,900
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.