Occupation · SOC 51-7099
Woodworkers, All Other
All woodworkers not listed separately.
Median wage
$41,220
$30,470–$60,870
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
6,590
Job Zone —
Core skills
Operations MonitoringMonitoringOperation and ControlCritical ThinkingActive ListeningQuality Control AnalysisSpeakingReading Comprehension
Knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingMechanicalEnglish LanguageMathematicsEducation and Training
Technology & tools
Internet browser softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareEnterprise application integration softwareTime accounting softwareData base user interface and query software
Representative tasks
Enforce safety and sanitation regulations.Keep records of employees' attendance and hours worked.Inspect materials, products, or equipment to detect defects or malfunctions.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Workplace safety regulations — recognize and follow under direct supervision on the production floor to prevent injuries and sanitation hazards.Basic hand and power tools — select and operate with guidance from a lead woodworker during routine bench assembly tasks.Raw lumber and sheet goods — inspect for visible surface defects, warping, or moisture damage before passing materials to the next workstation.Work orders and production schedules — read and interpret basic written instructions with supervisor assistance to set up assigned tasks.Attendance and hours-worked records — log accurately using time accounting software under direction from a shift lead.Near-vision measurement tasks — use calipers and tape measures to verify dimensional tolerances on finished wood components at a bench workstation.Machine operating parameters — monitor gauges and indicators on assigned woodworking equipment and report anomalies to a supervisor immediately.Quality defects in cut or shaped parts — identify common issues such as tear-out, miscut angles, or rough edges during routine production runs.Safety signage and personal protective equipment requirements — apply consistently in a shop environment following posted protocols and verbal instruction.Verbal instructions from supervisors and experienced coworkers — listen actively and ask clarifying questions to complete assigned production tasks correctly.
developing
Shop safety and sanitation standards — enforce consistently across daily operations, identifying and correcting hazards without waiting for supervisor direction.Employee attendance data — track and record hours worked using time accounting or spreadsheet software with minimal oversight during a production shift.Incoming lumber, hardware, and finished assemblies — inspect against specification sheets and flag non-conforming materials before they enter the production workflow.Production charts and work orders — read and analyze independently to sequence daily woodworking tasks and meet scheduled output targets.Woodworking machinery controls — operate and adjust cutting, shaping, and sanding equipment in familiar production contexts to maintain dimensional accuracy.CAD drawings and shop blueprints — interpret measurements and joinery details to set up jigs and fixtures for standard product runs.Quality control checks at multiple production stages — perform using established criteria to reduce rework and material waste on the shop floor.Production anomalies such as tool wear or material variation — recognize early through routine operations monitoring and take corrective action within trained scope.Coworkers and new employees — communicate task expectations clearly using plain language during shared bench or machine operations.Internet browser and database query tools — use to retrieve current product specifications, material safety data sheets, and supplier information as needed.
proficient
Complex safety and sanitation incidents — investigate root causes autonomously, document findings, and implement corrective measures across the full production area.Multi-employee attendance and labor-hour records — maintain accurately over extended periods using enterprise time accounting software to support payroll and scheduling decisions.Full incoming, in-process, and outgoing quality inspections — conduct independently using precision instruments and quality control analysis methods to ensure all products meet specification.Production schedules, efficiency reports, and work order data — analyze critically to identify bottlenecks, adjust workflows, and optimize daily throughput without supervisory input.Non-routine machinery malfunctions and tooling failures — diagnose and resolve using mechanical knowledge and critical thinking to minimize unplanned downtime.CAD software and design documentation — apply to evaluate product geometry, propose modifications, and communicate design intent to upstream and downstream stakeholders.Custom and non-standard woodworking projects — plan and execute from raw material selection through finishing, handling edge cases that fall outside standard operating procedures.Cross-functional production data — synthesize from spreadsheets and database systems to prepare accurate performance reports for management review.New employees and apprentices — demonstrate correct techniques for hand tool use, machine setup, and quality inspection in a structured on-the-job training context.Customer and internal stakeholder requirements — assess through active listening and reading comprehension to translate specifications accurately into production instructions.
advanced
Shop-wide safety and sanitation programs — develop, implement, and continuously improve to meet regulatory standards and reduce incident rates across all woodworking operations.Workforce scheduling and labor-tracking systems — design and oversee using enterprise application integration and time accounting software to optimize staffing against production demand.Organizational quality control frameworks — establish inspection criteria, audit procedures, and defect-reduction targets that govern product standards across the entire facility.Production planning strategy — lead by analyzing charts, schedules, and historical data to set long-range throughput goals and align resources with business objectives.Capital equipment decisions and maintenance programs — direct by applying deep mechanical and production-processing knowledge to guide procurement, tooling standards, and preventive maintenance schedules.Competency development curriculum — design and deliver for woodworking staff at all experience levels, incorporating Education and Training principles and on-the-job mentoring structures.Cross-departmental process improvement initiatives — champion using critical thinking and data analysis to eliminate waste, reduce rework, and raise overall operational efficiency.Customer service and client-facing communication — lead for complex or high-value accounts, translating technical woodworking capabilities into solutions that meet client expectations and grow business.Public safety and regulatory compliance strategy — oversee at the organizational level, liaising with inspectors and drafting policies that align shop practices with applicable codes and standards.Emerging woodworking technologies and CAD-driven manufacturing methods — evaluate and introduce to the organization, setting adoption roadmaps and training plans that keep the workforce competitive.
Also known as
41 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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