Woodworking Machine Operators

At a Glance

Work with power saws, lathes, planers, routers, and sanders
Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, or work orders
Often wear safety gear, such as ear plugs and face shields
Most train on the job
Have a low level of social interaction

Career summary

Woodworking machine operators cut and shape wood to make products.

Woodworking machine operators use wood to make items such as doors, cabinets, and trim. They also cut and shape furniture, sporting goods, toys, and other wood items.

Woodworking machine operators set up, run, and tend machines such as:

Power saws
Lathes
Planers
Routers
Sanders

Most operators run one type of machine. Some operators are responsible for a variety of machines. They work with both computerized and manual machines.

Woodworking machine operators work from blueprints, drawings, or work orders. Before cutting, they examine the raw wood stock for defects and proper size.

Machine operators adjust machine settings to produce specified cuts. They attach saws, chisels, sanding belts and other tools. Sometimes they program settings into machines controlled by computers.

Operators start the machine and push the wood through the cutting or feed mechanisms. If the machine is automatic, they clamp the wood into the machine. They monitor the operation and make adjustments to correct problems.

When the piece is completed, machine operators remove and examine it. They mark the inspected work piece and stack it on a pallet or conveyor to be transported to the next workstation. In some cases, they glue pieces together after initial construction.

Machine operators clean their machines and work areas. They check machines and repair or replace parts that are worn.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to woodworking machine operators.

Examine blueprints, drawings, and work orders to determine materials and machine set up.
Examine raw wood stock for defects and proper size. Measure and mark materials.
Adjust machine table or cutting devices. Attach and adjust guides and feed mechanisms. Make trial cuts.
Select and install knives, cutting heads, bits, chisels, and sanding belts.
Set or program computerized controls.
Clamp stock into machine, or push through feed or cutting mechanisms.
Monitor operation of automatic machines and make adjustments to correct problems.
Remove work piece and examine visually, by touch, or using rulers, calipers, or gauges.
Mark inspected work piece and stack on pallet or conveyor.
Clean and maintain machines and work areas. Remove and replace or sharpen worn parts.

Common work activities

Woodworking machine operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Control machines and processes
Handle and move objects
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Get information needed to do the job
Perform activities that use the whole body
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Make decisions and solve problems
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Identify objects, actions, and events
Process information
Judge the value of objects, services, or people

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, woodworking machine operators:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a low level of social contact. They work mainly with machines and materials but occasionally talk to supervisors and coworkers throughout the day.
Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
May work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

Work indoors and outdoors. The location greatly depends on the type of employer. Indoor locations may not have heating or air conditioning.
Wear ear plugs, safety glasses, respirators, or safety shields on a daily basis.
Are regularly exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
Are often exposed to hazardous equipment and situations that may produce cuts.
Are exposed to contaminants, such as wood dust, every day.

Work performance

Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could cause injuries to workers.
Must allow the work pace to be set by the speed of machinery.
Repeat the same physical activities.
Set most of their daily tasks and goals without input from a supervisor.
Must meet strict weekly and daily deadlines.

Hours/travel

Usually work a 40-hour week.
Generally work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Woodworking machine operators frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Stand for long periods of time.
Repeat the same movements.
Bend or twist their body.
Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for woodworking machine operators to be able to:

React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
Understand the speech of another person.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for woodworking machine operators to be able to:

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Determine the distance between objects.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Move arms and legs quickly.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

Skills and abilities

Woodworking machine operators need to:

Communicate

Understand spoken information.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operate and control equipment.
Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Perceive and visualize

Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Woodworking and Cabinetmaking

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a woodworking machine operator, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some woodworking machine operators learn their skills through formal training. They take courses at professional-technical schools or two-year colleges.

Work experience

Previous work as a carpenter is very helpful for this occupation.

On-the-job training

Most woodworking machine operators learn their skills on the job from an experienced worker. In this case, you begin working as a helper. Basic tasks take a few months to learn. Training typically lasts up to one year.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. You should consider taking Algebra and Geometry as your math courses and Chemistry and Physics as your science courses.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Blueprint Reading
Computer Fundamentals
Construction
Drafting
Industrial Arts
Physical Education
Safety and First Aid
Woodworking

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers also look for applicants with good hand-eye coordination. Mechanical ability can be an advantage.

Tips

A good background in basic mathematics and some knowledge of woodworking and related machinery is helpful. Develop precise measuring skills. Stay in good shape since most positions are physically demanding.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing (SOC 51-7042)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$11.89	$13.34	$16.28	$19.97	$24.05
	Monthly	$2,061	$2,312	$2,821	$3,461	$4,168
	Yearly	$24,730	$27,750	$33,870	$41,540	$50,030
Bellingham	Hourly	$12.63	$13.86	$15.97	$19.31	$23.28
	Monthly	$2,189	$2,402	$2,768	$3,346	$4,034
	Yearly	$26,271	$28,826	$33,201	$40,166	$48,420
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$11.99	$12.30	$22.01	$25.43	$30.89
	Monthly	$2,078	$2,132	$3,814	$4,407	$5,353
	Yearly	$24,935	$25,605	$45,786	$52,885	$64,254
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$12.34	$12.88	$13.69	$14.49	$14.97
	Monthly	$2,139	$2,232	$2,372	$2,511	$2,594
	Yearly	$25,647	$26,779	$28,472	$30,141	$31,142
Longview	Hourly	$12.25	$15.06	$21.25	$24.02	$26.25
	Monthly	$2,123	$2,610	$3,683	$4,163	$4,549
	Yearly	$25,479	$31,306	$44,203	$49,951	$54,598
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$14.25	$16.26	$18.17	$20.59	$24.46
	Monthly	$2,470	$2,818	$3,149	$3,568	$4,239
	Yearly	$29,640	$33,822	$37,786	$42,822	$50,862
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$13.98	$15.72	$17.51	$19.45	$24.13
	Monthly	$2,423	$2,724	$3,034	$3,371	$4,182
	Yearly	$29,084	$32,693	$36,419	$40,462	$50,177
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$11.92	$12.54	$15.49	$19.48	$25.24
	Monthly	$2,066	$2,173	$2,684	$3,376	$4,374
	Yearly	$24,780	$26,081	$32,216	$40,529	$52,508
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$12.23	$12.97	$14.79	$18.11	$22.07
	Monthly	$2,119	$2,248	$2,563	$3,138	$3,825
	Yearly	$25,452	$26,982	$30,756	$37,681	$45,919
Vancouver	Hourly	$13.06	$14.85	$17.42	$20.07	$24.20
	Monthly	$2,263	$2,574	$3,019	$3,478	$4,194
	Yearly	$27,176	$30,883	$36,225	$41,751	$50,334
Yakima	Hourly	$11.85	$11.97	$13.51	$17.12	$21.77
	Monthly	$2,054	$2,074	$2,341	$2,967	$3,773
	Yearly	$24,648	$24,890	$28,099	$35,620	$45,270
United States	Hourly	$10.03	$11.79	$14.29	$17.65	$21.36
	Monthly	$1,738	$2,043	$2,476	$3,059	$3,702
	Yearly	$20,870	$24,520	$29,730	$36,710	$44,420

Wages vary by industry and by area of the country. Wages also vary by the worker's skill, education level, and the complexity of the machines operated. Those who set up the machines earn slightly higher wages than those who operate them. In addition, workers who belong to a union usually receive higher wages.

Benefits vary by employer. Full-time machine operators may receive benefits. Typical benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing (SOC 51-7042)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	2,720	1.7%	16.1%	306
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	137	-8.0%	13.4%	12
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	67	1.5%	8.6%	7
Benton and Franklin Counties	23	8.7%	15.0%	3
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	48	0.0%	11.9%	5
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	156	5.8%	15.2%	20
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	737	0.7%	14.1%	81
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	316	3.5%	14.6%	37
King County	392	-2.8%	19.6%	39
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	168	0.0%	13.8%	18
Pierce County	403	8.9%	15.2%	53
Snohomish County	176	-5.1%	12.4%	16
Spokane County	256	8.2%	13.9%	33
United States	80,500	-0.9%	5.2%	11,100

National employment

Woodworking jobs are found throughout the country. However, many jobs are located in the South and Northwest, close to the supply of wood. Furniture maker jobs are more common in the East.

Major employers:

Wood products manufacturers
Household furniture manufacturers
Kitchen cabinet manufacturers
Veneer and plywood manufacturers
Sawmills

National outlook

Demand is expected to show little to no change for this occupation. Demand depends on new construction levels as well as repairs and renovations being done to existing buildings. Competition is strong from imported wood products outside the US. Firms that focus on custom woodwork should be able to compete against imports without the need to outsource jobs to other countries.

Some job opportunities will arise as workers retire or leave this occupation for other reasons. Job prospects are best for woodworking machine operators who can design using computers and have good math skills.

Other resources

International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine, and Furniture Workers
2701 Dryden Road
Dayton, OH 45439
937.298.9984

Washington Business Week
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Wood Products Manufacturers Association
PO Box 761
Westminister, MA 01473
978.874.5445

Woodworker's Central

References

Career cluster

Manufacturing

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupation

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing (51-7042.00)

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.