How to Become a Patternmakers, Wood
Patternmakers, Woods earn a median salary of $49,630/year in the United States. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent. The highest-paying states include Pennsylvania.
Education and training
Education requirements for this career vary by employer and specialization. Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the most current educational requirements, including typical degree levels, preferred fields of study, and any specialized training programs.
Patternmakers, Wood positions typically call for High school diploma or equivalent. Hands-on experience through internships, entry-level positions, or structured training complements formal education.
Licensing and certification
Licensing and certification requirements vary by state and employer. Some roles in this field require professional licensure; others rely on voluntary certifications to demonstrate competence. Check with your state's relevant licensing board for specific requirements in your area.
What the day-to-day looks like
The daily work in this field involves a combination of technical skills, problem-solving, and collaboration. Work environments range from office settings to field locations depending on the specific role and employer. Most positions are full-time, with overtime availability varying by industry and seasonal demand.
Career progression
Career advancement typically follows a path from entry-level to experienced to senior to management. Specialization, additional certifications, and advanced degrees can accelerate progression and unlock higher-paying roles. The salary difference between the 25th and 75th percentile for this occupation gives a realistic picture of the earnings growth you can expect over a career.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $55K | N/A |
Salary negotiation
When negotiating salary for this role, the most effective approach is to know the BLS percentile range for your specific location. If you're at the 25th percentile with 5+ years of experience, you have a strong case for a market adjustment. Competing offers, specialized skills, and willingness to relocate are the most common negotiation levers.
What the data doesn't tell you
BLS salary data provides a reliable national picture, but actual compensation can vary based on employer size, industry sector, and geographic location within a state. The percentile breakdown on AffordMap salary pages gives a more nuanced view than the median alone.
See the full salary picture
Percentile breakdown, cost of living, rent burden, and purchasing power for patternmakers, woods in every metro.
View Patternmakers, Wood salaries →Frequently asked questions
How much does a patternmakers, wood make?▼
The median patternmakers, wood salary in the United States is $49,630 per year ($24/hour). Entry-level positions start around $37,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,780.
What education do you need to become a patternmakers, wood?▼
Most patternmakers, wood positions require High school diploma or equivalent. Requirements vary by state and employer. Check with your state's licensing board for specific requirements.
What is the job outlook for patternmakers, woods?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for patternmakers, woods.
What are the highest paying states for patternmakers, woods?▼
The highest paying states for patternmakers, woods are Pennsylvania ($55,020). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.
