Wooden Boatbuilding Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Wooden Boatbuilding Technology is a hands-on, technical discipline focused on the design, construction, and restoration of both traditional and contemporary wooden vessels. Students develop mastery in precision craftsmanship, structural integrity, and maritime engineering principles through immersive training in time-honored and modern boatbuilding techniques.
- Budgeting: Learn to manage project costs, estimate material needs, and plan financial resources effectively across the entire boatbuilding lifecycle.
- Drafting: Master the creation of detailed technical drawings and blueprints essential for accurate boat design and construction planning.
- Fairing: Develop skills in shaping and smoothing hull surfaces to achieve optimal hydrodynamic performance and aesthetic finish.
- Lofting: Apply geometric layout techniques to scale full-size boat plans onto work surfaces, ensuring precision in structural dimensions.
- Joinery: Study advanced woodworking methods for creating strong, durable connections between wooden components using traditional and contemporary techniques.
- Planking: Gain expertise in selecting, shaping, and installing hull planks with attention to alignment, fit, and long-term durability.
- Spars and Rigging: Understand the design, fabrication, and assembly of masts, booms, and rigging systems critical to sailboat functionality and safety.
- Woodworking: Build foundational and advanced skills in working with hardwoods and marine-grade timbers, including cutting, shaping, and finishing for maritime applications.
Wooden Boatbuilding Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Wooden Boatbuilding Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Wooden Boatbuilding Technology degrees, including Model Makers, Wood and Woodworkers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 6,950 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Makers, Wood 51-7031 | $51,850 | $24,710 - $95,850 | 360 | $24.93 |
| Woodworkers, All Other 51-7099 | $41,220 | $30,470 - $60,870 | 6,590 | $19.82 |
Wooden Boatbuilding Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $28,880 in Ohio to $65,185 in Michigan—a 126% difference. The highest-paying states include Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 6,950 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Wooden Boatbuilding Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Wooden Boatbuilding Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Wooden Boatbuilding Technology is found at Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building (NWSWB) (30 graduates), and IYRS School of Technology & Trades (IYRS) (11 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 41 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building (NWSWB) |
Associate's
|
30 | Port Hadlock, Washington | Private | nwswb.edu |
| IYRS School of Technology & Trades (IYRS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Newport, Rhode Island | Private | iyrs.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Wooden Boatbuilding Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Wooden Boatbuilding Technology degree?
Salaries for Wooden Boatbuilding Technology graduates vary by role and location. Model Makers, Wood earn a median of $51,850 annually, while Woodworkers, All Other earn around $41,220. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Michigan average $65,185 compared to $28,880 in Ohio. Approximately 6,950 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Wooden Boatbuilding Technology programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Wooden Boatbuilding Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building (NWSWB) (30 graduates), IYRS School of Technology & Trades (IYRS) (11 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Wooden Boatbuilding Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Model Makers, Wood, Woodworkers, All Other, . Related occupations employ approximately 6,950 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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