Woodworker
A woodworker is a skilled tradesperson who specializes in the manufacture of various wooden products, including furniture, cabinetry, and construction materials. They can work in manufacturing settings or as independent artisans, often focusing on specific types of projects such as custom furniture or functional items for homes and offices. The profession requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with medium-term on-the-job training, and it is generally recognized for its technical and manual dexterity demands.
Woodworkers utilize a range of tools and technologies, from traditional hand tools to advanced automated machinery like CNC machines, to transform raw lumber into finished products. The work environment poses certain risks, including potential injuries and exposure to noise and fumes, so safety gear is important. While the median yearly earnings for woodworkers are around $39,390, the job outlook indicates little to no change in employment opportunities. This field appeals to individuals with interests in design, craftsmanship, and the physical aspects of construction, blending creativity with technical skills.
Subject Terms
Woodworker
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing
Interests: Design, wood construction, woodworking, math, art
Earnings (Yearly Median): $39,390 per year $18.94 per hour
Employment & Outlook: -1% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training Medium-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Woodworkers manufacture furniture, architectural and construction products, and many other wooden goods of all sizes for government, commercial, residential, and industrial use. Whether they use automated equipment or hand tools, their work is highly skilled. Most woodworkers in manufacturing specialize in a process such as sawing, joining, or finishing. Others see projects from start to finish and specialize in a particular product. Self-employed artisans or craftspeople also tend to concentrate on one or two types of products, most commonly furniture, toys, or functional items for the home or office.
Work Environment. Most woodworkers are employed in manufacturing settings. A small percentage is self-employed or works for small cottage industries. Others work for construction companies, lumber dealers, or large retail furniture outlets, among other places. Jobs in production tend to be concentrated near areas where lumbering is common, providing the necessary raw materials.
Occupation Interest. A career as a woodworker attracts people who appreciate the functionality and aesthetics of wooden products and like to work with their hands. Manual dexterity, technical aptitude, math skills, and spatial sense are necessary. Physical stamina is also essential, as woodworkers often stand most of the day, bend over machinery, use their upper body strength to lift heavy pieces, and perform other physically demanding tasks.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Woodworkers transform rough, unfinished lumber into tables, trim, cabinets, fence posts, shipping crates, chessboards, rolling pins, and thousands of other products. Each product must be planned, measured, and cut, then usually assembled and finished. Generally, most of these steps can be completed in one of three ways—with automated machinery, power tools, or traditional hand tools.
Many woodworkers employed by large manufacturers use automated computer numerical control (CNC) machinery and, in some cases, are referred to as computer control programmers or operators. Their jobs tend to be more technical than mechanical, consisting mainly of operating computers and sometimes drawing or manipulating plans with computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Other woodworkers in manufacturing settings operate non-automated industrial-grade power equipment, such as table saws, drills, lathes, and sanders. They may work in assembly lines, repeatedly performing a single step in the manufacturing process. If cutting or drilling, they will either follow a pattern or guidelines marked on the pieces of wood or measure and draw their lines with rulers, calipers, compasses, and other measuring and drawing tools. In addition to mass-produced pieces, some factory woodworkers do custom work, and some tasks are still performed with handheld instruments.
Independent cabinetmakers and craftspeople rely more on traditional power and hand tools, although they might also use CAD to draw designs and plans. Some of their tasks involve cutting dovetail joints with a router, shaping curved pieces on a lathe, or finishing an item with several protective coating applications.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Woodworkers are at risk for minor injuries to fingers and hands, eye injuries, and other, more severe wounds. Noise, toxic fumes, and sawdust present additional health risks and require respirators, safety goggles, ear protection, work gloves, and adequate ventilation.
Plant Environment. Manufacturing jobs are usually performed on assembly lines, where each person performs a single task or operates a CNC machine. While much of the work is automated, some projects involve hand or small machine tools. Smaller facilities might be set up more like home workshops, and employees might see projects through from start to finish.
Human Environment. Woodworkers work alone, with a partner, or in a team. Their workstations are usually in a large shop with many other employees, although the noise can prohibit casual conversation. Those in a manufacturing setting report to a shop foreman or project manager.
Technological Environment. Woodworkers use many hand and machine tools for measuring, cutting, shaping, and joining, including table saws, drills, levels, lathes, staple guns, and electric screwdrivers. Woodworkers in manufacturing settings use computer-aided design (CAD) programs, computerized numerical control (CNC) machines, and other automated equipment. Finishers typically use paint sprayers, polishers, sanders, glue guns, and other equipment.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Most employers require a high school diploma or GED. Industrial arts electives or a vocational program in woodworking or building construction will provide relevant hands-on training in reading blueprints, operating tools and equipment, and woodworking techniques. Math courses are needed for many different types of calculations. Students may also take classes that teach CAD and other computer technologies. However, those interested in pursuing a career as an artisan should focus more on art and design and consider a college preparatory program instead of a vocational path.
Postsecondary. Woodworkers generally receive on-the-job training, although some employers expect applicants to be somewhat proficient in computer and shop skills. Students deficient in these areas can take courses through technical schools, community colleges, universities, independent learning centers, or continuing education programs offered through many school districts. The military also provides training. Individuals interested in woodcrafts, furniture design, custom cabinetry, and other common cottage industries should consider a bachelor’s or advanced degree program in fine art, furniture design, or a related specialty, with electives drawn especially from business.
Bibliography
“Carpenters 47-2031.00.” O*NET OnLine, 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2031.00. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
Carpenter, Tom, and Mark Johanson. The Complete Book of Woodworking. Landauer, 2001.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 47-2031 Carpenters." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472031.htm. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
"Woodworkers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/production/woodworkers.htm. Accessed 28 Sept. 2023.