How much does a woodworking operator make?
a year · about $21 an hour
A typical woodworking operator in the United States makes $43,380 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?
At a factory, they set up a router, sander, or lathe, feed in wood, and watch as it shapes parts. They measure finished pieces, check for flaws, and clean or maintain the machine.
Did you know? Some operators use machines to glue a thin layer of real wood veneer onto another surface—so a wooden finish can be a very thin wood layer.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $32,110 and $56,830How do you become one?
Finish high school or a GED; math and computer classes help, then learn on the job, starting with simple tasks. Most must be 18 to run power woodworking machines; an employer or union apprenticeship and optional CNC certificate can help.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can rise with experience and skill at setting up complex machines, including CNC equipment. It also differs by employer and location, and useful certificates can help workers qualify for more skilled jobs.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($52,980), lowest in Texas ($33,840).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $32,110 | $43,380 | $56,830 | about 61,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $52,980 | about 1,000 |
| Minnesota | $51,540 | about 710 |
| Iowa | $51,200 | about 1,000 |
| Oregon | $49,480 | about 2,000 |
| Michigan | $47,680 | about 5,000 |
Official definition: Set up, operate, or tend woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, and wood nailing machines. May operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment. Workers who primarily program or operate CNC equipment are classified in “Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators and Programmers” (51-9160).
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.onetonline.org/link/details/51-7042.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes517042.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/child-labor/what-jobs-are-off-limits
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY