Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Woodworkers, all other work in a hands-on, production-oriented field that combines physical abilities, mechanical understanding, and attention to detail. Nationally, about 18,000 people are employed in these roles, with a median annual salary of $41,220. The work relies heavily on fine motor skills, physical strength and stamina, and strong mechanical skills, supported by mathematics, science, and critical and analytical thinking. Creativity and innovation also play a role, along with problem solving, decision making, and project management. The occupation typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, making it accessible to individuals who want to enter the workforce without a lengthy educational path. While projected national employment growth is negative, there are still 2,000 annual openings, reflecting ongoing turnover and replacement needs. For people who enjoy working with their hands, focusing on details, and applying both physical and cognitive skills, this path can be a solid option to explore alongside related careers in production and construction trades.
The national median annual salary for woodworkers, all other is $41,220. Earnings vary meaningfully by location. Among the highlighted states, Virginia shows a median salary of $62,730 and New York $58,300, both notably higher than the national median. California sits at $47,860, while Maryland and Colorado are closer to the national level at $41,850 and $41,300, respectively. At the metro level, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria stands out with a median salary of $64,260. The Los Angeles and Sacramento areas offer mid-$40,000s, while Baltimore is in the low-$40,000s and Chicago is reported at $36,990. These figures suggest that local labor markets and employer demand can significantly influence pay. For someone considering this field, comparing state and metro medians can help identify locations where this occupation currently offers higher earning potential relative to other areas listed.
National employment for woodworkers, all other is 18,000, with a projected employment growth rate of -4.4%. This indicates that overall employment in the occupation is expected to decline over the projection period. However, there are still 2,000 annual openings, which reflects ongoing hiring needs even in the context of a shrinking total job count. These openings can come from workers leaving the occupation, retiring, or changing careers. Job seekers should recognize that the combination of negative projected growth and steady annual openings can create a mixed outlook: there will be opportunities to enter the field, but overall positions may become fewer over time. For career planners, it may be useful to consider this occupation alongside the listed similar careers in metal, plastic, woodworking machine operation, drywall installation, and textile machine operation when thinking about long-term stability and mobility.
Location plays a significant role in opportunity for woodworkers, all other. Among states, California has the highest opportunity score at 67.38, with a median salary of $47,860 and employment of 540. New York and Virginia have relatively small reported employment counts of 40 each but show higher median salaries, $58,300 and $62,730, and opportunity scores of 65.78 and 54.96. Colorado and Maryland offer median salaries just above $41,000, with moderate employment levels and mid-50s opportunity scores. At the metro level, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria leads with an opportunity score of 64.47 and a median salary of $64,260, though reported employment is 30. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim combines higher employment of 110 with a mid-$40,000s salary and a strong opportunity score of 62.99. Chicago, Sacramento, and Baltimore metros provide additional options, each with distinct combinations of salary, employment, and opportunity scores that can guide regional job search strategies.
Woodworkers, all other typically enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes the occupation accessible to individuals who are ready to begin working without pursuing a multi-year college degree. Success in this career depends heavily on a defined set of skills. Fine motor skills, physical strength and stamina, and mechanical abilities form the physical and technical core of the work. Mathematics and science support accurate measurement and understanding of processes, while being detail oriented helps maintain quality. Creativity and innovation can contribute to how work is approached or improved. Critical and analytical thinking, along with problem solving and decision making, are important for addressing issues that arise on the job. Project management skills support organizing tasks and time. For students, job seekers, or career changers, strengthening this mix of physical, technical, and cognitive skills aligns closely with the demands of the occupation.
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