Production & Manufacturing · Plan, lay out, and construct wooden unit or sectional patterns used in forming sand molds for castings.
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$45–55k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$68–79k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
-4.3% · Declining
Growth rate estimated from Production & Manufacturing cluster average (2024-2034 BLS projections).
Time to Start
2–4 years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Entry-Level Wood
Patternmakers, Wood
Experienced Patternmakers, Wood
Senior Patternmakers, Wood
Director of Production & Manufacturing
You prioritize Support
This career is strongly aligned with Support — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires some college or a registered apprenticeship, which matches common student preparation goals.
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