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What is a woodworker and how to become one
Woodworkers are like magicians. They can turn pieces of lumber into gorgeous cabinets, functional furniture, and even works of art. Of course, woodworkers do not use magic to do this, but woodworking tools, blueprints, and their own knowledge of their craft.
For many years, woodworkers have made furniture and other useful objects out of wood. However, their tools have changed drastically since the days of whittling with pocket knives and hand saws. Today, many woodworkers use mechanical saws and drills. They may even use computer programming software, such as computer-assisted design (CAD) to draw up the blueprints for their work.
Most woodworkers work in factories or manufacturers that produce furniture, although some strike out on their own as independent artisans. No matter where they work, woodworkers need to know how to use hand tools, measure wood accurately, and follow blueprints. Many learn these skills on the job or by shadowing an experienced woodworker as an apprentice. On average, a skilled woodworker makes $56,257 a year.
Avg. Salary $51,598
Avg. Salary $59,228
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.62%
Asian 2.47%
Black or African American 6.21%
Hispanic or Latino 8.17%
Unknown 5.66%
White 75.88%
Genderfemale 7.95%
male 92.05%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Woodworker career paths
Key steps to become a woodworker
Explore woodworker education requirements
Start to develop specific woodworker skills
Skills Percentages Hand Tools 30.97% Table Saws 11.34% Tape Measure 10.15% Pallets 9.41% CNC 9.22% Research woodworker duties and responsibilities
- Used all wood shop saws, drills, planers, routers etc.
- Operate all types of woodworking equipment, sliding panel saws, band saws, mortise machines, planers, etc.
- Follow blueprints of pianos to be build.
- Prep fruits and vegetables for smoothies and juices.
Prepare your woodworker resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your woodworker resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a woodworker resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable woodworker resume templates
Build a professional woodworker resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your woodworker resume.
Apply for woodworker jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a woodworker job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first woodworker job
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Average woodworker salary
The average woodworker salary in the United States is $51,598 per year or $25 per hour. Woodworker salaries range between $24,000 and $108,000 per year.
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Updated January 8, 2025
