Whether you are beginning to think about what you want to do after high school, starting a new chapter in life, or simply looking for stable income, your skills are needed in the wood industry.
Operate tools and machines specific to the wood making industry to manufacture a variety of wood parts and products, including finishing and millwork.
HS diploma, extensive on-the-job training.
Understand detailed architectural drawings, schematics, shop drawings, and blueprints; ability to set up and use computer-controlled machinery and tooling; ensure products meet industry standards/ specifications; select and adjust the proper cutting, milling, boring, and sanding tools, and handle hardware installation/finishing as needed.
Progressive steps of certification are available.
Technical/trade schools, community colleges and universities.
The median annual wage is $32,690.
Install, maintain and repair industrial machinery, including replacing worn or damaged parts and disassembling and packaging old machinery to clear space.
HS diploma, on-the-job training.
Use a variety of hand tools (e.g. hammers and levels); equipment for welding, brazing, and cutting; measuring tools (e.g. micrometers); use of cranes, trucks, forklifts, hoists and other equipment to move parts.
Apprenticeships up to four years.
Associate’s degree via technical schools and community colleges.
The median annual wage is $52,860.
Use computer aided design (CAD) software to design projects or convert the drawings/specifications of engineers and architects into technical drawings.
Associates degree; four-year degree required to be an architect or engineer.
Design products using specific engineering and manufacturing techniques; add detail to architectural plans using knowledge of building techniques; specify dimensions, materials, and processes for new products.
Progressive steps of certification are available.
Associate’s degree via technical schools, community colleges and universities.
The median annual wage is $56,830.
As a type of woodworker, they use a variety of tools and machines to cut, shape and assemble parts and wood products, such as furniture and cabinets.
HS diploma, 1 to 3 years of on-the-job training, ability to use computer-controlled machinery.
See Woodworker role for core skills. May also design and customize cabinets to specifications of a particular space, and also assist with installation.
Certification is available.
Technical schools, community colleges and universities.
The median annual wage is $36,580.
Operate CNC and other industrial machines, as well as an array of tools to manufacture a variety of wood parts and products.
HS diploma, extensive on-the-job training, ability to use computer-controlled machinery.
Woodworking machinists operate woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, routers, sanders, planers; wood sawing machinists specialize in specific pieces of woodworking machinery (both may be required to operate CNC machines).
Progressive steps of certification are available.
Technical schools, community colleges and universities.
The median annual wage is $36,850.
Remove existing flooring and/or measure, cut, lay and finish materials that improve the aesthetic of residetial and commercial buildings.
No formal educational credential, extensive on-the-job training.
Hand tool/power tool knowledge; customer-service skills; detailed oriented to maintain exacting standards; understanding of math used to measure/calculate material requirements; physical stamina/strength (must be able to stand/kneels for extended periods and lift/move heavy flooring pieces); general/finish carpentry; eye for detail; new construction/remodel.
Progressive steps of certification are available from various organizations.
On-the-job training; 2- to 4-year apprenticeship programs are common.
The median annual wage is $42,050.
Scrape and sand wooden floors using sanding machines and floor scraping tools to smooth surfaces and apply sealants or other protective coatings.
No formal educational credential, extensive on-the-job training.
Machine/tool knowledge; customer service, including needs assessments, quality standards, and evaluating customer satisfaction; residential and commercial construction knowledge (materials, methods, tools); physical stamina/strength (must be able to stand/kneels for extended periods and lift/move heavy flooring pieces). Operation of sanding equipment; refinishing; eye for detail; application of stains, colorants, and finishes; historic restoration; selling trends.
Progressive steps of certification are available from various organizations.
On-the-job training; 2- to 4-year apprenticeship programs are common.
The median annual wage is $39,610.
Prepares and finishes surfaces on various types of case goods (e.g. cabinetry) to desired effects using hand or machine finishing processes and tools.
HS diploma, extensive on-the-job training.
Ability to identify different hues and select appropriate products to finish wood surfaces; attention to detail to examine wood and fix small defects, ensure that all the sanding dust has been removed, etc.; communication and problem-solving, ability to carry out mathematical calculations; physical stamina/strength.
Progressive steps of certification are available.
There are a few formal college level training programs; otherwise, on- the-job training.
The median annual wage is $34,350.
Within middle and high school, educators coach, motivate, inspire and teach students about all things related to woodworking including: measurement, tree biology, joinery, tool identification, machine safety and career exploration.
4 Year Degree, 2 Year Degree, Short-Term Certificate, High School Diploma, On-the-Job Training, Apprenticeship, 3 years minimum of working experience (or 1,000 hours), Teaching Credentials.
Technical skills: operation and maintenance of all common stationary machines, CNC equipment and hand tools. Personal skills: communication, teamwork, leadership, organization, flexibility and self-motivation.
Certification is available.
University, Community College, Technical/Trade School, On-the-Job Training.
The median annual wage is $55,000.