Woodworker

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Work Tasks

• Make wooden items such as toys, furniture, musical instruments, doors, windows, cabinets, etc.
• Set up and run woodworking machines
• Work from blueprints, drawings, or other instructions to make the items
• Measure and cut wood, put pieces together, and finish the item
• Work for manufacturers, lumber companies, furniture stores and repair shops, and construction companies
• Work with wood, items they make, blueprints, drawings, measuring tools, marking tools, woodworking machines, hand tools, nails, glue, and clamps

Salary, Size & Growth

• $30,000 average per year ($14.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (106,800 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.5% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training
• Employers Prefer: A 2-year degree or work experience in carpentry
• Skills/Courses: Courses in carpentry, shop, mechanical drawing, applied math, wood technology, furniture manufacturing, and wood engineering.