Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Using precise hand and finger movements to control tools, equipment, or materials.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
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. PayThe median annual wage for woodworkers was $45,310 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of woodworkers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 18,100 openings for woodworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other 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.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for woodworkers was $45,310 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of woodworkers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 18,100 openings for woodworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other 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.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of woodworkers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 18,100 openings for woodworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other 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 They 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 $45,310 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of woodworkers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 18,100 openings for woodworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other 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.
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 $45,310 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of woodworkers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 18,100 openings for woodworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other 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.
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.
More Information
Learn more about woodworkers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.