Woodworker Salary 2025: Median $45,300 and What It Takes to Earn It
The median annual wage for woodworkers is $45,300, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $22 an hour, though pay varies by skill level and location. The middle 50% earn between $33,130 and $60,310. About 200,000 Americans work in this field, shaping lumber into furniture, cabinets, and building components.
How much Woodworkers earn
The typical woodworker takes home between $33,130 (10th percentile) and $60,310 (90th percentile). The mean wage is $45,630 per year.
- Entry-level or less experienced workers: $33,130 and below
- Experienced or specialized workers: $60,310 and above
- Median $45,300 is the halfway point: half earn more, half less
Pay by state
BLS does not provide reliable state-level data for woodworkers due to insufficient sample sizes. However, wages generally follow regional cost-of-living and demand for skilled trades. Expect higher pay in states with strong manufacturing or construction economies.
How to become Woodworker
Most woodworkers learn through on-the-job training, often starting as helpers or apprentices. A high school diploma or equivalent is sufficient. Community colleges and trade schools offer certificate or associate programs in cabinetmaking, millwork, or furniture design; these can shorten the learning curve. Some cabinet shops and custom furniture makers prefer a two-year degree, but it's not mandatory. No state license is required for general woodworking, but safety certifications (OSHA) may be expected by employers.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED
- Get a job as a helper or apprentice—learn on the job
- Consider a certificate or associate degree in woodworking technology
- Be prepared for physical work: standing, lifting, working with spinning blades
Job outlook
The BLS does not project a specific growth rate for woodworkers from 2024 to 2034. Demand depends on housing starts and custom furniture spending, which fluctuate with the economy. Automated processes may slow job growth for low-skill roles, but skilled woodworkers who can create custom pieces or operate CNC machinery will remain in demand.
Frequently asked questions
Do woodworkers make good money?
The median $45,300 is near the middle for all occupations. Top earners exceed $60,000, but entry pay can be under $33,000. Good money if you specialize in high-end custom work or CNC operation.
Is woodworking a dying trade?
No. Over 199,000 people hold the job. Automation has cut low-skill positions, but skilled woodworkers are still needed for cabinets, architectural millwork, and furniture.
What's the best way to start woodworking as a career?
Get hired as an apprentice or helper at a cabinet shop or millwork company. Formal education helps but isn't required. Many workers learn on the job over a few years.
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 Woodworkers data.