Furniture Finishers Salary Guide 2025: $44,540 Median, Decline Ahead
Furniture finishers in the U.S. earn a national median salary of $44,540, with the typical range spanning $32,160 to $61,020. About 14,480 people work in the occupation, but the field is expected to shrink by 3.3% through 2034, creating only 2,000 openings per year mostly due to replacement needs.
How much Furniture Finishers earn
The national median annual wage for furniture finishers is $44,540, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest OEWS data. That works out to roughly $21 per hour. The top 10% earn above $61,020, while the bottom 10% earn below $32,160.
Pay by state
Where you work has a big impact on pay. The highest-paying states for furniture finishers are Connecticut ($59,830), Massachusetts ($56,300), New Hampshire ($56,050), Colorado ($50,000), and California ($49,080). On the lower end, Texas ($36,350), Alabama ($34,950), and Tennessee ($32,160) offer wages well below the national median. These differences reflect regional cost of living and demand for skilled finishing work.
How to become a Furniture Finisher
Most furniture finishers learn through on-the-job training, typically lasting from a few months to over a year. No formal education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent is required, though vocational classes in woodworking or finishing can help. Some employers prefer candidates with prior experience in wood finishing, staining, or spray painting. Certification isn’t mandatory, but voluntary credentials from organizations like the National Wood Flooring Association may improve job prospects.
- Get a high school diploma or GED.
- Start as an assistant or trainee to learn sanding, staining, and applying coatings.
- Consider vocational courses in furniture finishing or woodworking.
- Gain proficiency with spray equipment and hand tools.
Job outlook
Employment for furniture finishers is projected to decline 3.3% from 2024 to 2034, a loss of about 480 jobs. The BLS estimates roughly 2,000 openings per year, most of which will come from workers retiring or leaving the occupation. Automation and cheaper imports continue to reduce domestic manufacturing demand, but custom furniture shops and restoration work still need skilled finishers.
Frequently asked questions
Is furniture finishing a good career in 2025?
It offers a stable median wage of $44,540, but the field is declining. You'll have the best chances in custom furniture repair and restoration, or in high-paying states like Connecticut or Massachusetts.
How long does it take to become a furniture finisher?
Most training is on the job and can take several months to a year to reach competence. No college degree is required, so you can start earning relatively quickly.
What skills do furniture finishers need?
Key skills include knowledge of stains, varnishes, and lacquers; ability to use spray guns and hand tools; attention to detail for color matching; and physical stamina for standing and lifting.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Furniture Finishers data.