Model makers, wood
SOC Code: 51-7031
Model makers, wood carries a 42% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $51,850 and -4.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 42% AI exposure, Model makers, wood sits 5 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 75% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Model makers, wood sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Model makers, wood has ai exposure of 42%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Model makers, wood vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Model makers, wood is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Model makers, wood (SOC 51-7031) carries an AI exposure score of 42%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -4.5% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $51,850, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Model makers, wood. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers to determine sizes and shapes of patterns and required machine setups.
- 2. Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nails, dowels, bolts, screws, and other fasteners.
- 3. Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measuring devices.
- 4. Trim, smooth, and shape surfaces, and plane, shave, file, scrape, and sand models to attain specified shapes, using hand tools.
- 5. Plan, lay out, and draw outlines of units, sectional patterns, or full-scale mock-ups of products.
- 6. Construct wooden models, patterns, templates, full scale mock-ups, and molds for parts of products and production tools.
- 7. Select wooden stock, determine layouts, and mark layouts of parts on stock, using precision equipment such as scribers, squares, and protractors.
- 8. Mark identifying information on patterns, parts, and templates to indicate assembly methods and details.
- 9. Set up, operate, and adjust a variety of woodworking machines such as bandsaws and planers to cut and shape sections, parts, and patterns, according to specifications.
- 10. Maintain pattern records for reference.
Key Skills Required
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
- Active Listening
- Operations Analysis
- Operation and Control
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Design
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Model makers, wood?
Model makers, wood has an AI exposure score of 42%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Model makers, wood?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Model makers, wood is projected to decline by 4.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 900 workers.
What skills are needed for Model makers, wood?
Key skills for Model makers, wood include Monitoring, Operations Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Model makers, wood earn?
The median annual wage for Model makers, wood is $51,850, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Model makers, wood?
The typical entry-level education for Model makers, wood is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Model makers, wood?
Model makers, wood roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).