Patternmakers, Wood Salary 2025: $49,630 Median, -5% Decline Ahead
Patternmakers, Wood earn a national median salary of $49,630 per year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The mean annual wage is $54,240, or about $24 per hour. The typical range runs from $37,600 at the 10th percentile up to $83,780 at the 90th percentile. It's a very small occupation—only 220 people hold this title nationwide—and the BLS projects employment will shrink by 5 percent from 2024 to 2034.
How much Patternmakers, Wood earn
The median annual wage for Patternmakers, Wood is $49,630. Half of workers earn between about $37,600 and $83,780. The mean hourly wage works out to $24.08. Because the occupation is tiny, pay can vary a lot by employer and location.
- National median: $49,630
- Mean annual: $54,240 ($24.08/hr)
- 10th percentile: $37,600
- 90th percentile: $83,780
Pay by state
BLS data for 2024 shows Pennsylvania as the highest-paying state for Patternmakers, Wood, with an average annual wage of $55,020. No other states are reported separately due to the small workforce—many states have zero or confidential data. If you're looking for the top pay, Pennsylvania is the only state with a published figure above the national mean.
How to become Patternmakers, Wood
Wood patternmakers create full-scale models used to cast metal parts, typically in foundries. The path usually starts with a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by several years of on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Hands-on skills in woodworking, blueprint reading, and machining are essential. While no formal license is required, completing a journeyman program through a union or trade school can boost job prospects. Given the very small number of openings, networking and relocating to areas with foundries (often in the Midwest and Northeast) help.
- High school diploma or GED
- Apprenticeship or 3–5 years on-the-job training
- Skills: woodworking, reading blueprints, operating lathes/saws
- Voluntary certification available through NIMS or trade groups
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for Patternmakers, Wood will decline by 5 percent from 2024 to 2034. That's a loss of about 10 jobs over the decade, reflecting automation and the shift to 3D-printed patterns in foundries. Openings will still occur as workers retire, but competition will be stiff for the few spots. The occupation's total employment of 220 makes it one of the smallest in the BLS database.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary of a Patternmaker, Wood in 2025?
The median annual salary is $49,630, with a mean of $54,240. The typical range is $37,600 to $83,780.
How do I become a Patternmaker, Wood?
You typically need a high school diploma and then complete an apprenticeship or several years of on-the-job training. Skills in woodworking and blueprint reading are key.
Is there demand for Patternmakers, Wood?
Demand is very low and shrinking. Employment is projected to decline 5% from 2024 to 2034, with only about 220 workers nationwide.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Patternmakers, Wood data.