CFChooseField
Production

Patternmakers, Wood

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

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Patternmakers, Wood
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Median pay

$52,520
Median annual pay for Patternmakers, Wood.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

0
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

500
Estimated U.S. employment for Patternmakers, Wood in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

0
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Speaking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mathematics
  2. 2Design
  3. 3Engineering and Technology
  4. 4Mechanical
  5. 5Building and Construction
  6. 6Administration and Management

Abilities

  1. 1Manual Dexterity
  2. 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
  3. 3Control Precision
  4. 4Near Vision
  5. 5Reaction Time
  6. 6Finger Dexterity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Artistic
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Achievement Orientation
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
  2. 2Thinking Creatively
  3. 3Controlling Machines and Processes
  4. 4Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Performing General Physical Activities

Work context

  1. 1Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  2. 2Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  3. 3Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Freedom to Make Decisions
  6. 6Contact With Others

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Set up, operate, and adjust a variety of woodworking machines such as bandsaws and lathes to cut and shape sections, parts, and patterns, according to specifications.

Software and tools

Autodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technology3D Systems Geomagic Design XDelcam PowerMILLMastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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