Cut, shape, and assemble wooden articles or set up and operate a variety of woodworking machines, such as power saws, jointers, and mortisers to surface, cut, or shape lumber or to fabricate parts for wood products.
Significant Points
- Most woodworkers are trained on the job; basic machine operations may be learned in a few months, but becoming a skilled woodworker often requires 2 or more years.
- Overall employment is expected to decline.
- Job prospects will be best for highly skilled woodworkers who produce customized output, which is less susceptible to automation and import competition, and for those who know how to operate computerized numerical control (CNC) machines.
- Employment is highly sensitive to economic cycles; during economic downturns, workers are subject to layoffs or reductions in hours.
National Outlook
| 2004 Total Employment | 148,000 |
| 2014 Expected Employment | 154,000 |
| Change (Percent) | 6,000 ( 4.1) |
| Total Openings | 43,000 |