How much does a woodworker make?
Answer: A typical woodworker in the United States makes $44,530 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 5,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Woodworker pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,510 | $44,530 | $64,150 | about 5,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $47,860 | about 540 |
| Oregon | $45,590 | about 640 |
| Tennessee | $34,790 | about 930 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience and the ability to run CNC machines or do complex custom work can help woodworkers earn more. Pay also changes with the employer, location, and hours worked. A special license or certificate is not required, but optional certificates can show skills and may help workers advance.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a woodworker do?
All woodworkers not listed separately.
What's a typical day like?
A woodworker may read a drawing, measure boards, and set up a saw or CNC machine to cut and shape parts. They check the fit, sand or finish the pieces, and clean or maintain equipment.
How to get this job
In the U.S., most woodworkers finish high school or an equivalent program, then learn on the job from experienced workers; math, computer, or vocational classes can help. Some employers or unions offer apprenticeships, and CNC certificates are optional rather than required.
Did you know?
Many U.S. woodworkers use computer-controlled CNC machines for precise cuts, while custom pieces may still need handwork.
Earn more in the same field
Production jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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.bls.gov/ooh/production/woodworkers.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-7099.00
- woodworkcareer.org/wca-credentials-2-2/
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY