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.
Woodworkers typically do the following:
Despite the abundance of plastics, metals, and other materials, wood products continue to be an important part of our daily lives. Woodworkers make wood 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.
Although the term “woodworker” may evoke the image of a craftsman who uses hand tools to build ornate furniture, the modern woodworking trade is highly technical and relies on advanced equipment and highly skilled operators. Workers use automated machinery, such as computerized numerical control (CNC) machines, to do much of the work with great accuracy.
Even specialized artisans generally use CNC machines and a variety of power tools in their work. Much of the work is done in a high-production assembly line facility, but there is also some work that is customized and does not lend itself to being performed on an assembly line.
Woodworkers set up, operate, and tend all types of woodworking machines, such as saws, milling machines, drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, and wood-fastening machines. Operators set up the equipment, cut and shape wooden parts, and verify dimensions, using a template, caliper, and rule. After the parts are machined, 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.
Many of these tasks are handled by different workers with specialized training.
The following are examples of types of woodworkers:
Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters cut, shape, assemble, and make parts for wood products. They often design and create sets of cabinets that are customized for particular spaces. In some cases, their duties begin with designing a set of cabinets to specifications and end with installing the cabinets.
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 process of making wooden products.
Wood sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders specialize in operating specific pieces of woodworking machinery. They may operate CNC machines.
Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing, operate woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, routers, sanders, and planers. They may operate CNC machines.
Woodworkers held about 263,500 jobs in 2019. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up woodworkers was distributed as follows:
| Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters | 112,200 |
| Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing | 79,300 |
| Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood | 54,500 |
| Furniture finishers | 17,400 |
The largest employers of woodworkers were as follows:
| Wood product manufacturing | 39% |
| Furniture and related product manufacturing | 38 |
| Self-employed workers | 7 |
| Specialty trade contractors | 3 |
Working conditions vary with the specific job duties. At times, workers have to handle heavy, bulky materials and may encounter noise and dust. As a result, they regularly wear hearing protection devices, safety glasses, and respirators or masks.
Wood sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations.These workers use tools and equipment, such as saws and drill presses, which may be dangerous and can cause cut or lacerations. Workers must wear proper safety equipment and be mindful of their surroundings to avoid injury.
Woodworkers are exposed to hazards such as harmful dust, chemicals, or fumes, and must often wear a respirator or mask. Others may be exposed to excessive noise and must wear hearing protection devices.
Most injuries involve sprains, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and hernias. These injuries or illnesses come from excessive amounts of awkward bending, reaching, twisting, and overexertion or repetition.
Most woodworkers work full time during regular business hours.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to become a woodworker. Although some entry-level jobs can be learned in less than 1 year, becoming fully proficient generally takes several years of on-the-job training. The ability to use computer-controlled machinery is becoming increasingly important.
Because of the growing sophistication of machinery, many employers are seeking applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent. People seeking woodworking jobs can enhance their employment prospects by getting training in computer applications and math.
Some woodworkers obtain their skills by taking courses at technical schools or community colleges. Others attend universities that offer training in wood technology, furniture manufacturing, wood engineering, and production management. These programs prepare students for jobs in production, supervision, engineering, and management, and are becoming increasingly important as woodworking technology advances.
Education is helpful, but woodworkers are trained primarily on the job, where they learn skills from experienced workers. Beginning workers are given basic tasks, such as placing a piece of wood through a machine and stacking the finished product at the end of the process.
As they gain experience, new woodworkers perform more complex tasks with less supervision. In about 1 month, they learn basic machine operations and job tasks. Becoming a skilled woodworker often takes several months or even years. Skilled workers can read blueprints, set up machines, and plan work sequences.
Although not required, becoming certified can demonstrate competence and professionalism. It also may help a candidate advance in the profession. The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America offers a national certificate program, with five progressive credentials, which adds a level of credibility to the work of woodworkers.
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 hand tools and power tools, so they need a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination.
Math skills. Knowledge of basic math and computer skills are important, particularly for those who work in manufacturing, in which technology continues to advance. 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 hand tools, such as screwdrivers and wrenches, is required to set up, adjust, and calibrate machines. Modern technology systems require woodworkers to be able to use computers and other programmable devices.
Physical stamina. The ability to endure long periods of standing and repetitive movements is crucial for woodworkers, who often stand all day performing many of the same functions.
Physical strength. Woodworkers must be strong enough to lift bulky and heavy pieces of wood.
Technical skills. Woodworkers must understand and interpret design drawings and technical manuals for a range of products and machines.
Median annual wages, May 2019
The median annual wage for woodworkers was $32,690 in May 2019. 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 $22,310, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $50,070.
Median annual wages for woodworkers in May 2019 were as follows:
| Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters | $35,790 |
| Furniture finishers | 32,480 |
| Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing | 30,990 |
| Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood | 30,410 |
In May 2019, the median annual wages for woodworkers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Specialty trade contractors | $37,980 |
| Furniture and related product manufacturing | 34,290 |
| Wood product manufacturing | 30,730 |
Most woodworkers work full time during regular business hours.
Percent change in employment, projected 2019-29
Overall employment of woodworkers is projected to decline 4 percent from 2019 to 2029.
Some demand for woodworkers is expected in residential and commercial property repairs and renovations. However, automation, especially the use of computerized numerical controlled machines in wood product manufacturing, should reduce the overall need for these workers over the decade.
Woodworkers who know how to create and carry out custom designs on a computer should have the best job opportunities in manufacturing industries.
Those who can demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, and advanced math skills should also have the best job prospects.
Some job openings will result from the need to replace those who retire or leave the occupation for another job.
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2019 | Projected Employment, 2029 | Change, 2019-29 | Employment by Industry | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | ||||||
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program |
|||||||
Woodworkers |
— | 263,500 | 253,900 | -4 | -9,600 | — | |
Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters |
51-7011 | 112,200 | 108,900 | -3 | -3,300 | Get data | |
Furniture finishers |
51-7021 | 17,400 | 16,700 | -4 | -600 | Get data | |
Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood |
51-7041 | 54,500 | 50,800 | -7 | -3,800 | Get data | |
Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing |
51-7042 | 79,300 | 77,400 | -2 | -1,900 | Get data | |
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
Woodworking Machinery Industry Association
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing