### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Woodworkers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			woodworkers imageWorkers use automated machinery, such as computerized numerical control (CNC) machines, to do much of the work.							
						Quick Facts:     Woodworkers2023     Median Pay
            						$39,390     per year
										$18.94     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    High school diploma or equivalentWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    See How to Become OneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    238,900Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    -1% (Little or no change)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    -2,700What Woodworkers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Woodworkers manufacture a variety of products, such as cabinets and furniture, using wood, veneers, and laminates.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Most woodworkers are employed in manufacturing industries. Although their working conditions vary, woodworkers may encounter machinery noise and wood dust.
            
                                                How to Become a Woodworker
                                                
                        
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to become a woodworker. Although some entry-level jobs may be learned in 1 month or less, becoming proficient typically requires several months to more than a year of on-the-job training. The ability to use computer-controlled machinery also is important.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for woodworkers was $39,390 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of woodworkers is projected to show little or no change							 from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite  limited  employment growth, about 23,400 openings for woodworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for woodworkers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of woodworkers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about woodworkers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Woodworkers Do 
            

			WoodworkersWoodworkers ensure that products meet industry standards and project specifications.			
Woodworkers manufacture a variety of products, such as cabinets and furniture, using wood, veneers, and laminates. They often combine and incorporate different materials into wood.
Duties
Woodworkers typically do the following:
Read detailed architectural drawings, schematics, shop drawings, and blueprints
Prepare and set up machines and tooling for woodwork manufacturing
Lift wood pieces onto machines, either by hand or with hoists
Operate woodworking machines, including saws and milling and sanding machines
Listen for unusual sounds and watch for excessive vibration in machinery
Ensure that products meet industry standards and project specifications, adjusting as necessary
Select the proper cutting, milling, boring, and sanding tools for completing a job
Use handtools to trim pieces or assemble products
Maintain machines, such as by cleaning and oiling them or replacing worn bladesWoodworkers make products from lumber and synthetic wood materials. Many of these products, including most furniture, kitchen cabinets, and musical instruments, are mass produced. Other products are custom made from architectural designs and drawings.
Modern woodworking is highly technical. Skilled operators use automated machinery, such as computerized numerical control (CNC) machines, to ensure accuracy in all phases of their work. Woodworkers do many of their tasks  on an assembly line, but some customized work must be done by hand.
Woodworkers set up, operate, and tend all types of woodworking machines, such as saws, milling machines, drill presses, sanders, and wood-fastening machines. Operators use equipment to cut and shape wooden parts and to verify dimensions, using a template, caliper, and rule. Woodworkers add fasteners and adhesives and connect the parts to form an assembled unit. They also install hardware, such as pulls and drawer slides, and fit specialty products for glass, metal trims, electrical components, and stone. Finally, workers sand, stain, and, if necessary, coat the wood product with a sealer or topcoats, such as a lacquer or varnish.
The following are examples of types of woodworkers:
***Cabinetmakers*** and ***bench carpenters***cut, shape, and assemble parts for wood products. They often design and create sets of customized cabinets, sometimes seeing a project all the way through to installation.
***Furniture finishers*** shape, finish, and refinish damaged and worn furniture. They may work with antiques and must judge how to preserve and repair them. They also do the staining, sealing, and top coating at the end of the production process.
***Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders*** use band saws, circular saws, hack saws, or other equipment to cut wood. They also use drill presses, lathes, sanders, and other types of woodworking equipment to smooth and shape wood.
 Work Environment
			WoodworkersWoodworkers make wood products from lumber and synthetic wood materials.			

	    
				
	
	    	    		Woodworkers held about 238,900 jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up woodworkers was distributed as follows:
    	    	
    	Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters
                105,700Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing
                64,600Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood
                49,400Furniture finishers
                19,200The largest employers of woodworkers were as follows:
        Furniture and related product manufacturing
                40%Wood product manufacturing
                36Self-employed workers
                7Specialty trade contractors
                3Working conditions vary. At times, woodworkers handle heavy, bulky materials and may encounter noise and dust. As a result, they regularly wear hearing protection, safety glasses, and respirators or masks.
Injuries and Illnesses
Wood sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. These workers use saws and other tools and equipment that may be dangerous and can cause cuts or lacerations. Workers must wear safety equipment and be mindful of their surroundings to avoid injury.
Woodworkers are exposed to hazards such as harmful dust, chemicals, or fumes, and often wear a respirator or mask. Others may be exposed to excessive noise and wear hearing protection.
Most injuries involve sprains, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and hernias. These injuries come from awkward bending, reaching, or twisting and overexertion or repetition.
Work Schedules
Most woodworkers work full time during regular business hours. Work schedules vary for some woodworkers.
 How to Become a Woodworker

			WoodworkersAfter high school, most woodworkers are trained on the job, learning from more experienced workers.			
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to become a woodworker. Although some entry-level jobs may be learned in 1 month or less, becoming fully proficient may take several months to more than a year of on-the-job training. Woodworkers also must be able to use computer-controlled machinery.
Education
A high school diploma is typically required to enter the occupation. Training in computer applications and math may enhance employment prospects.
For woodworking production jobs, employers may prefer to hire candidates who have taken some vocational-technical or college courses.
Training
Typically, entry-level woodworkers train on the job, learning their skills from experienced workers. Beginning workers do basic tasks, such as feeding a piece of wood through a machine and stacking the finished product at the end of the process. As they gain experience, woodworkers do more complex tasks with less supervision.
Becoming a skilled woodworker often takes several months or years. Skilled woodworkers read blueprints, set up machines, and plan work sequences.
Some workers also receive training through apprenticeships offered by employers or unions.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Although not required, credentials often demonstrate competence and professionalism. They also may help a candidate advance in the occupation.
The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America offers a national certificate program, with five progressive credentials.
Because of the prevalence of CNC machines in production, workers also may benefit from obtaining CNC machine certification. Certification is offered by community colleges and CNC machine manufacturers.
Advancement
With experience, skilled woodworkers may advance to other positions that offer greater responsibility. For example, they may be promoted to team lead or floor supervisor, positions in which they help to oversee the work of other woodworkers.
Important Qualities
***Detail oriented.*** Woodworkers must pay attention to details in order to meet specifications and to keep themselves safe.
***Dexterity*.** Woodworkers must make precise cuts with a variety of handtools and power tools, so they need good hand-eye coordination.
***Math skills*.** Woodworkers need to understand basic geometry in order to visualize how a three-dimensional wooden object, such as a cabinet or piece of furniture, will fit together.
***Mechanical skills*.** The use of handtools, such as screwdrivers and wrenches, is required to set up, adjust, and calibrate machines. These automated systems also require woodworkers to use computers and other programmable devices.
***Physical stamina*.**Woodworkers often stand for long periods performing many of the same functions.
***Physical strength*.** Woodworkers must be able to lift bulky, heavy pieces of wood.
***Technical skills*.** Woodworkers must be able to interpret design drawings and technical manuals for a range of products and machines. They also should be able to troubleshoot issues as they arise.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                WoodworkersMedian annual wages, May 2023Total, all occupations$48,060  Production occupations$43,630  Woodworkers$39,390Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for woodworkers was $39,390 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,770, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $57,410.

			
                    	Median annual wages for woodworkers in May 2023 were as follows:
        Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters
		$43,260Furniture finishers
		39,790Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing
		38,260Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood
		38,000In May 2023, the median annual wages for woodworkers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Specialty trade contractors
                $45,920Furniture and related product manufacturing
                40,500Wood product manufacturing
                38,150Most woodworkers work full time during regular business hours.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                WoodworkersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Total, all occupations3%  Woodworkers-1%  Production occupations-3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of woodworkers is projected to show little or no change				 from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite  limited  employment growth, about 23,400 openings for woodworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Overall demand for woodworkers is expected to be limited by automation, especially the use of computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines in wood product manufacturing. However, demand for some wood products, such as those used in home renovation projects and outdoor structures for restaurants and other businesses, may sustain demand for some woodworkers.
			

                        Employment projections data for     woodworkers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Woodworkers**
			—
			238,900
			236,200
			-1
			-2,700
			—**Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters**
			51-7011
			105,700
			103,700
			-2
			-2,000
			Get data**Furniture finishers**
			51-7021
			19,200
			19,100
			-1
			-100
			Get data**Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood**
			51-7041
			49,400
			49,500
			0
			100
			Get data**Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing**
			51-7042
			64,600
			63,900
			-1
			-600
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters
					Furniture finishers
					Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood
					Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of woodworkers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Carpenters**
            Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $56,350**Computer Programmers**
            Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly.
            Bachelor's degree
            $99,700**Craft and Fine Artists**
            Craft and fine artists use a variety of materials and techniques to create art for sale and exhibition.
            See How to Become One
            $52,910**Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers**
            Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers design, construct, adjust, repair, appraise and sell jewelry.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $47,450**Machinists and Tool and Die Makers**
            Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate equipment to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.
            See How to Become One
            $53,180**Sheet Metal Workers**
            Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $58,780**Ironworkers**
            Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $60,780
 Contacts for More Information
								
For details about apprenticeships or other work opportunities for woodworkers, contact the offices of the state employment service, the state apprenticeship agency, local firms that employ laborers, or local union-management apprenticeship committees. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627. Visit Apprenticeship.govto search for apprenticeship opportunities.
For more information about woodworkers, visit
Architectural Woodwork Institute
Association for Manufacturing Technology
Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International
National Tooling and Machining Association
Woodwork Career Alliance of North America
Wood Industry Resource Collaborative
Woodworking Machinery Industry Association

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Cabinetmakers and Bench CarpentersFurniture FinishersSawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, WoodWoodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Woodworkers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/woodworkers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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