How much does a furniture finisher make?
a year · about $21 an hour
A typical furniture finisher in the United States makes $44,540 a year, about $21 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They inspect a worn chair, sand away scratches and old coating, and mix stain to match the wood. Then they brush or spray on color and a clear protective sealer, masking areas that must stay untouched.
Did you know? A furniture finisher can use special ink on metal parts to make them look like wood grain!
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $32,160 and $61,020How do you become one?
In the U.S., finish high school or earn a GED, then learn sanding, color matching, and safe coating on the job from experienced workers. Some employers or unions offer apprenticeships; a license or certificate is generally not needed.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and creating
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experienced finishers and those skilled at tricky repairs or antique-style finishes may earn more. Pay also varies by employer, local demand, and hours; most work regular business hours, but schedules can differ.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($49,080), lowest in Tennessee ($32,160).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $32,160 | $44,540 | $61,020 | about 14,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $49,080 | about 1,000 |
| New York | $48,340 | about 1,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,450 | about 790 |
| Florida | $45,600 | about 1,000 |
| Michigan | $45,260 | about 570 |
Official definition: Shape, finish, and refinish damaged, worn, or used furniture or new high-grade furniture to specified color or finish.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-7021.00
- www.bls.gov/OOH/production/woodworkers.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes517021.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations/listings?occupationCode=51-702
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY