The most recent data shows there were approximately 238,000 woodworkers employed in the United States as of 2021.

Forecasts indicate the number of woodworking jobs is expected to grow at a steady pace of around 3% over the next decade.

Applying this annual growth rate, we can estimate there will be around 239,500 woodworkers working in the US by 2023.

This projection assumes consistent economic conditions and construction activity driving demand for carpentry and specialty woodworking skills.

The actual figure may fluctuate higher or lower based on the performance of key industries like homebuilding and manufacturing.

But the estimate provides a sound baseline for anticipating the size of the American woodworking workforce this year.

Continued growth is positive news for those considering careers in this essential trade.

Let’s explore the key data points and statistics on US woodworkers in 2023 and beyond.

Total Number of Woodworkers in the US

The most recent occupational employment statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that there were 238,000 woodworkers employed in the United States as of 2021. This includes cabinetmakers, woodworking machine operators, carpenters and other specialized roles.

The total number of US woodworkers has remained relatively steady over the past decade. For context, there were approximately 243,000 woodworkers employed in 2011. While technology and automation affect certain manufacturing roles, skilled woodworking continues to require human craftsmanship.

Woodworking Employment by State

Woodworking jobs are centered in states with strong manufacturing and construction industries. The top five states by woodworker employment are:

State	Number of Woodworkers
California	24,460
Michigan	12,630
Pennsylvania	12,010
Ohio	11,330
New York	10,550

California leads by a wide margin, reflecting its enormous economy and population. Major wood product manufacturing hubs like Grand Rapids, MI and Amish communities in Pennsylvania and Ohio also employ significant numbers of woodworkers.

While less populous, states like Oregon, North Carolina and Wisconsin have between 5,000-7,000 woodworking jobs apiece.

Gender Gap Among US Woodworkers

Woodworking is a male-dominated occupation. According to the most recent BLS data, approximately 92% of US woodworkers are men, while only 8% are women.

This disparity has closed slightly compared to 95% male woodworkers in 2011. However, progress in attracting women remains gradual. Outdated perceptions of woodworking as a “man’s job” likely contribute to the imbalance.

Racial Demographics of US Woodworkers

The woodworking workforce lacks diversity and remains predominantly white. Among employed US woodworkers:

75.9% are white
8.2% are Hispanic/Latino
6.2% are Black/African American

5.7% are mixed race/unknown
2.5% are Asian
1.5% are Native American

Hispanic and Black representation falls well below their share of the total US population and workforce. Efforts to expand career pathways in woodworking for minorities show room for improvement.

Age Profile of US Woodworkers

The average age of US woodworkers is 44 years old. The age distribution in 2021 was:

54% are 40+ years old

34% are 30-40 years old
Only 11% are 20-30 years old

This data indicates a graying workforce approaching retirement age. Ensuring a pipeline of new talent will be critical as older generations of woodworkers exit the labor force. Apprenticeship programs and career training can help fill the experience gap.

Educational Attainment of Woodworkers

Most US woodworkers gain expertise through on-the-job training rather than formal classroom education. The highest levels of education among current woodworkers are:

36% have a bachelor’s degree
30% have a high school diploma

20% have an associate’s degree
11% have a vocational diploma

Advanced degrees beyond a bachelor’s are relatively rare. However, broader manufacturing trends show employers desire workers with greater technical skills. Formal woodworking instruction can help meet this demand.

Employment by Woodworking Subsector

Woodworkers are employed in diverse settings depending on specialty:

Type of Employer	Share of Woodworking Jobs
Architectural and cabinet manufacturing	24%
Furniture and related product manufacturing	22%
Construction contractors	21%
Sawmills and wood production	7%
Home furnishing stores	6%
Veneer and plywood manufacturing	5%

Custom architectural woodwork and cabinetry are the single largest employers of US woodworkers. Jobs in secondary manufacturing, construction trades and production support these specialized roles.

Self-employed artisanal woodworkers now represent around 10% of the occupation as well.

Projected Job Growth for Woodworkers

The BLS projects 3% employment growth for US woodworkers between 2021-2031, slower than the average rate across all occupations. An estimated 8,200 new woodworking jobs are expected over the decade.

Driving factors include:

Ongoing construction activity requiring carpentry

Consumer demand for custom wood furnishings and cabinetry
Growth of US manufacturing output

Automation and offshoring pressure on some production roles will constrain faster growth. Openings from retirements will help maintain job opportunities.

Geographic Job Hubs for Woodworkers

Major hubs for woodworking jobs reflect manufacturing centers and areas of population growth:

Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Houston, Dallas have the largest numbers of woodworking job postings and industry concentration. Other significant locations are:

Grand Rapids, MI – Furniture manufacturing

Charlotte, NC – Banking hub driving corporate interiors work
Portland, OR – Center for custom woodcraft and design

Smaller cities like Holland, MI and Hickory, NC have specialized woodworking clusters as well.

Proximity to raw materials in forested regions also localizes woodworking in places like northeast Minnesota.

Occupational Wages for US Woodworkers

According to May 2021 BLS data, the median annual wage for US woodworkers was $36,710. The top 10% of earners made over $63,170 annually.

Wages vary based on experience, specialty and location:

Entry-level general woodworking – $25,000 to $35,000
Skilled cabinetmakers and millworkers – $40,000 to $60,000
Highly specialized tradesmen – $70,000+

Top paying states for woodworking are:

State	Average Annual Salary
Alaska	$75,724
New Jersey	$74,379
Maine	$71,149

Coastal states and those with higher costs of living tend to provide better woodworking pay.

Self-Employment and Small Business Outlook

Around 10% of US woodworkers are self-employed, pointing to a steady base of entrepreneurs and custom shops. Cabinetry, furniture building, boat interiors and musical instruments are common specialties.

Despite competition from larger manufacturers, niche and local woodworkers retain consumer appeal. Expanding via online channels provides a growth opportunity.

The outlook remains positive for talented artisans able to market uniqueness and quality. Aspiring independent woodworkers should hone business operations as much as woodcraft abilities though.

Future Challenges Facing the Woodworking Industry

Competition from abroad – Imported products from developing nations with lower labor costs put pressure on domestic manufacturers. However, custom work remains less vulnerable to offshoring.

Input material costs – Wood prices fluctuate based on species availability, fuel prices and supply chain issues. Managing expenses is an ongoing business reality.
Sustainability demands – Environmentally conscious consumers expect ethically sourced materials. Certifications like FSC help woodworkers verify responsible practices.
Technology adaptation – Utilizing automation and advanced equipment efficiently while preserving craft is a balancing act. Upskilling will be necessary.

Workforce development – Training new generations in traditional techniques while also teaching modern skills poses a challenge. But mentorship programs show promise in addressing labor pipeline needs.

The outlook for professional woodworking remains promising despite these headwinds. As a medium, wood persists through changing construction methods and interior design trends. And consumers continue to value quality, customization and artistry from a skilled tradesperson. Woodworkers able to align with market demands can sustain rewarding careers.

Woodworking Careers With Greatest Demand

While broad carpentry roles employ the largest number of US woodworkers, specialty trades offer scarcer skills and higher pay potential:

Cabinetmakers – Demand for customized cabinetry in homes, offices and stores requires precision woodworking expertise able to handle millwork.
CNC machine operators – Running computer-controlled cutting equipment is an increasingly essential capability for efficient manufacturing.
Boat and ship builders – Individuals able to work with difficult marine-grade materials are valuable for maintenance and restoration work especially.

Finish carpenters – Contractors able to execute fine trim, staircases, mantels and other decorative elements of building interiors are in demand for renovation and new construction.

Aspiring woodworkers willing to learn multiple facets of wood fabrication and develop unique specializations improve career prospects and earnings potential.

Woodworking Technician and Mechanic Outlook

Woodworking also requires behind-the-scenes support roles to keep equipment running:

Saw filers – Maintaining and repairing sawblades is vital for mills and industrial shops.
Wood machine mechanics – Tradespeople able to troubleshoot and fix complex production machinery are invaluable.
CNC programmers – As computer-aided manufacturing expands, technical skills for operating these systems grow in importance.

These skills translate across manufacturing sectors as well. While smaller in number, these roles provide stable in-demand careers.

Summary Statistics on US Woodworkers in 2023

Statistic	Number
Total woodworkers employed	238,000
Projected 10-year job growth	+3%
New jobs forecast by 2031	8,200
Median annual wage	$36,710
Top 10% annual wage	$63,170+
Workers over age 40	54%
Gender male vs female	92% male / 8% female
Largest state employer	California – 24,460
Self-employed share	10%

This data provides a comprehensive snapshot of the woodworking occupation. It highlights potential labor shortfalls but also underscores the essential nature of a craft requiring extensive skill development.

Meeting demand while perpetuating traditions remains the opportunity and challenge for the industry. Properly valuing human woodworking mastery amidst technological progress will shape the future workforce.

Outlook for Aspiring Woodworkers

The trade offers promising paths but requires dedication. Some tips for launching a woodworking career:

Seek formal apprenticeships and accredited woodworking programs
Be open to learning multiple skills beyond a single craft

Look for roles in growing regions and industries
Consider exploring self-employment if you have an entrepreneurial spark
Continue learning new production methods and business techniques

With careful preparation and networking, pursuing woodworking as a profession can become reality. Those with creativity, work ethic and patience are well equipped to achieve success.

The data shows woodworking remains an essential and rewarding, if underappreciated, American industry. Those able to excel in the trade will find no shortage of opportunities to apply their abilities and find fulfillment in shaping wood into works of functionality and beauty. The craft persists, awaiting the next generation of skilled hands and minds to carry it forward.

How Many Female Woodworkers in US?

Women remain a small minority in the traditionally male-dominated woodworking industry. But their numbers are growing as perceptions evolve.

Only 8% of US woodworkers are women as of 2022. This equates to approximately 19,000 female woodworkers nationally.
The share of women woodworkers has slowly increased over the past decade from a low of 3% in 2010. But gender imbalance remains substantial.
Certain subfields like woodturning and custom furniture building have relatively more women participants and business owners.

On average, female woodworkers in the US earn 80% of the median pay for male woodworkers. Closing this wage gap remains an ongoing concern.
Organizations like the National Association of Women in Woodworking provide networking and visibility for women excelling in the field.
Outreach targeting girls and young women could help expand the talent pipeline further. Carpentry programs tailored for female students show potential to draw new demographics.

Social platforms spotlighting successful female woodworking professionals also help inspire the next generation.

While parity remains distant, the presence and accomplishments of pioneering women woodworkers pave the way for a more inclusive future in the craft. Their contributions deserve recognition as catalysts for overdue change.

Racial Demographics of Woodworkers

Woodworking in the US remains dominated by white workers, who comprise over 75% of total employment. Efforts to further diversify the ranks have achieved limited success so far:

75.9% of US woodworkers are white as of 2021 data
Hispanic/Latino workers represent 8.2% of the total
Black/African American woodworkers make up 6.2% of the workforce

Asian and mixed-race individuals each account for only around 2 to 6%
Native American woodworkers constitute just 1.5% of the occupation

This imbalance limits the richness of perspectives and experiences the industry can leverage. Outreach and training programs focused on underrepresented groups provide one avenue to make progress.

Urban-based woodworking initiatives also show promise in engaging diverse communities. But changing ingrained hiring patterns represents an ongoing challenge.

Authentic institutional commitments to equity can help woodworking reflect the full spectrum of cultures shaping American life. The passion exists at the grassroots level waiting to be tapped.

How Many Cabinetmakers in the US?

Cabinetmaking requires specialized woodworking skills to construct fixed furnishings found throughout buildings. The occupation is a vital source of jobs within the industry.

There are approximately 55,000 cabinetmakers employed in the US as of 2021. This represents around 23% of US woodworking jobs.
Cabinetmaker numbers dropped during the 2008 recession but have partly rebounded with the real estate market’s recovery.
Top states employing cabinetmakers are California, Texas, Pennsylvania, New York and Michigan.

The median annual wage for US cabinetmakers was $42,920 in 2021. More experienced finishers and custom fabricators can earn $60,000+ in busy metros.
About 45% of cabinetmakers are employed in architectural woodwork firms focused on millwork. One-third work for general furniture manufacturers.
Technology like CNC routers has automated some production tasks but increased output capacity. Skilled programmers and finishers remain critical.

Custom work for upscale homes, boutique retailers and hotels keeps demand strong for specialized cabinetry skills able to deliver high-quality results. Offsite prefabrication also shows promise for productivity gains.

Cabinetry innovation and growth in residential markets bode well for continued opportunities in this woodworking niche. Blending digital and manual fabrication provides a path to the future.

Woodworking Employment Statistics

The composition and distribution of US woodworking jobs sheds light on the industry’s landscape:

The top 5 states for woodworking by total employment are:

California – 24,460
Michigan – 12,630

Pennsylvania – 12,010
Ohio – 11,330
New York – 10,550

The metropolitan areas with the most woodworkers are:

Los Angeles – 9,000
Chicago – 5,700

New York – 5,400
Minneapolis – 2,900
San Francisco – 2,900

24% work in architectural woodwork and millwork manufacturing
22% work in furniture-related manufacturing
21% work in construction as carpenters primarily

10% are self-employed artisans

This data underscores how a few major hubs drive wood product output while the trade remains national in scope. A balance of industries sustain woodworking demand. And entrepreneurial craftspeople persist as well despite competition from larger firms.

Gender Pay Gap for Woodworkers

Significant earnings disparities exist between male and female US woodworkers:

Male woodworkers earn a median annual wage of $44,131
Female woodworkers earn $35,374 per year on average

This amounts to women earning around 80% of men’s median pay in equivalent woodworking roles.

While narrowing gradually, a sizable and stubborn gender wage gap persists for reasons including:

Women remain concentrated in entry-level and lower-paying woodworking occupations
Few women hold senior or supervisory manufacturing positions

Possible continued discrimination in pay and promotion practices
Career interruptions for parenting still more common among women workers

Ongoing efforts to achieve pay equity likely need to address both institutional policies and broader social norms that can influence incomes throughout a woman’s working life.

Woodworking Accident Statistics

Woodworking entails considerable risks of traumatic injury requiring safe practices:

Over 720,000 woodworking injuries are estimated to occur annually in the US
Table saws cause the most accidents, with over 39,750 injuries per year

The fingers and hands are the most frequently injured body parts
Other leading causes of injuries are shapers, sanders, planers and jointers (10,930 per year) and band saws (3,500 per year)
Lacerations, amputations, blindness and long-term nerve damage are common severe injuries

Proper machine guarding, personal protective equipment and training in safe operating procedures can help mitigate hazards

Prevention is paramount. But woodworkers must also prepare for the financial impact of an accident through appropriate workers’ compensation coverage if self-employed.

Small Business Outlook for Woodworking

Starting a custom woodworking business allows skilled tradespeople to capitalize on their expertise while gaining independence:

Around 10% of US woodworkers are self-employed as of 2022
Common types of small woodworking businesses include:
- Custom furniture building – Creating unique, hand-crafted furnishings like tables, beds, and cabinets
- Architectural millwork – Fabricating custom trim, staircases, and other structural elements for buildings
- Wooden boat building and repair – Constructing and restoring boats and marine vessels
- Luthier work – Hand-making stringed instruments like guitars and violins
- Woodturning – Specializing in artistic lathe-created objects and vessels
- Custom sign making – Producing specialized business and street signs
Typical challenges for independent woodworkers are securing workspace, accessing materials, marketing effectively, and competing with mass production.
However, small shops able to perfect their craft and build a loyal customer base can thrive in niche markets.

The outlook remains positive for talented artisans able to leverage their skills through a lean entrepreneurial venture. Careful planning helps ensure success. But passion for the work is equally important.

Common Types of Small Woodworking Businesses

Specialty woodworkers are able to start niche firms catering to specific market segments:

Custom furniture building – Floating cabinets, live-edge tables, designer beds and other one of-a-kind pieces allow creative fabrication.
Architectural millwork – Trim carpentry, fireplace mantels, staircases and other structural elements in commercial and residential settings.
Wooden boatbuilding – Construction and repair of boats, yachts and other marine vessels in fiberglass, cedar and other woods.
Luthier craft – Hand-making string, wind and percussion musical instruments such as guitars, violins and drums.
Woodturning – Specialization in lathe-created bowls, vessels, spindles and artistic objects from beautiful grain patterns.
Wooden sign making – Producing customized exterior business or street signs using computerized routing and traditional techniques.

Aspiring entrepreneurs should carefully validate potential markets and differentiate from competitors. Patience is required to build a loyal customer base and reputation for specialized offerings.

Challenges Facing Small Woodworking Business Owners

Artisanal woodworkers must navigate common small business hurdles:

Gaining visibility and credibility as an unknown newcomer
Securing necessary commercial workspace and equipment
Accessing reliable supplies of quality timber
Managing inventories efficiently to control costs
Competing with cheaper mass-produced alternatives
Having expertise in woodcraft but limited formal business training
Depending heavily on referrals and word-of-mouth instead of robust marketing
Lacking bargaining power with vendors and distributors as a small buyer
Handling paperwork, sales tax registrations, licenses and regulations

Strong entrepreneurial drive and business acumen offset these obstacles. Many independent woodshops succeed through perseverance and embracing their unique advantages.

Woodworking Certification and Apprenticeships

New woodworkers have options to gain credentials and supervised experience:

The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America offers national woodworking certifications recognized by many employers.
Its Cabinetmaking and Wood Manufacturing credential tests skills in millwork, joinery, finishing and machining.
Apprenticeships registered with the Department of Labor provide paid on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction. Programs typically last 3-4 years.
Many labor unions including United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America sponsor apprenticeships.
Some woodworking schools partner with manufacturers to offer apprenticeships as well.

Certification demonstrates a standard level of competence to employers. Registered apprenticeship completion shows deeper expertise in theory and practice. Both can enhance hiring and pay.

Outlook for CNC Machine Operators in Woodworking

Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools perform key fabrication tasks with automation:

CNC machine operation is an increasingly high-demand woodworking skill.
The global CNC market size is projected to grow from $7.2 billion in 2022 to $12.7 billion by 2030, creating many new operator jobs.
Programmers able to translate designs into machine instructions using CAD/CAM software are especially needed.
Formal CNC machinist training programs can provide a path into woodworking outside traditional carpentry roles.
Machine shops and larger manufacturers will likely lead adoption, but smaller shops focused on rapid prototyping find CNC productive too.
Operators still oversee equipment daily operations, change bits, adjust feeds and speeds, and inspect output.

CNC enhances efficiency but still depends on human expertise. Woodworkers expanding their technical abilities will have an advantage as adoption increases.

Top States for Woodworking Jobs

The most active and highest paying states for woodworking careers include:

California – The largest state employment hub with a strong presence across furniture, construction and manufacturing. Wide variety of urban and rural woodworking jobs.
Texas – Fast-growing state with an expanding millwork sector serving booming real estate markets in Dallas, Austin and Houston metro areas.
New York – Home to over 10,000 woodworkers concentrated largely in the New York City metro region. High demand for custom interiors and furnishings.
Washington – Has a robust wood products cluster feeding off rich timber resources, especially around Seattle and Spokane.
Oregon – Leads the US in forest sector employment overall. Known for high-end custom woodcraft around Portland plus wood manufacturing activity.

Opportunities exist nationwide but targeting states with deeper woodworking roots improves prospects. Demand flows based on new construction, renovations and consumer spending power.

Salary and Wages for Woodworking Jobs

Pay for woodworking roles varies based on skillset, experience and geographic region:

The median annual salary for woodworkers in the US as of 2021 was $36,710.
Hourly pay rates typically range between $15 to $25. Highly skilled craftsmen can earn $35+ per hour.
Apprentice and helper roles start around $15 per hour. Cabinetmakers average about $21 per hour.
Experienced finish carpenters, millwrights, boatbuilders and other specialized tradesmen can earn $40+ per hour.
Woodworking teachers, engineers/drafters and supervisors make upward of $65,000+ on average.
The top 10% of earners make $63,170+ annually. Six-figure incomes are possible in management.

Both unique expertise and business/management knowledge drive top woodworking wages. Location also significantly influences pay scales.

Job Outlook for Woodworking Occupations

Employment of woodworkers in the US is projected to grow by 3% from 2021 through 2031, adding around 8,200 jobs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This pace is slower than the average across all occupations. But retiring workers will create job openings as well.
Cabinetmakers and architectural millworkers should see better job growth around 7% to meet demand for custom kitchens, furniture and fixtures.
Growth will vary across states and specialties based on local economic conditions and construction activity.
Woodworking teachers may be in particular demand as vocational schools seek to replenish the talent pipeline.

Economic fluctuations and overseas competition affect production-related jobs. But demand persists for specialized artisan skills applied in custom settings.

Job Postings for Woodworking Roles

Leading online job boards shed light on current needs and geographic demand trends:

Over 5,000 woodworking job postings were active in January 2023 across the US.
The top posted job titles were carpenter, cabinetmaker, CNC machine operator, furniture finisher, wood equipment mechanic, and millwright.
The metro areas with the most openings included New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.
Employers frequently request skills in finish carpentry, cabinetry construction, CNC programming, blueprint reading, stair building, and OSHA safety practices.
Many roles prioritize hands-on experience over formal education credentials.

Live job data confirms persistent demand for specialized hands-on woodworking skills combined with increasing technical abilities. Major metros offer the widest variety of opportunities.

Woodworking Industry Employment Projections

BLS forecasts for wood product manufacturing provide insights on the broader industry supplying many woodworking jobs:

Wood product manufacturing is expected to add around 4,000 jobs between 2021-2031, growing by 1.3%.
The architectural millwork segment is projected to expand by 1,700 jobs or 2.3%.
Sawmills and wood preservation will grow by 1,100 jobs or 1.9% based on increased lumber demand.
However, categories like veneer/plywood face potential declines from foreign competition. Offshoring may restrain some production occupations.

Domestic manufacturing should remain relatively steady barring an extended economic downturn. But automation and efficiency gains affect production-line jobs. Custom fabrication roles show greater resilience.

Top Cities for Woodworking Jobs

Major metropolitan areas with thriving construction and manufacturing industries offer the greatest variety of woodworking job opportunities, along with higher pay scales:

New York City

Hundreds of open positions in cabinetry, furniture, carpentry, woodturning and more
High demand for skilled millworkers and finish carpenters in the luxury interior design industry
Home to over 5,400 woodworkers with an average salary of $49,094

Los Angeles

Nearly 9,000 woodworking professionals supporting entertainment and aerospace industries
Diverse cabinetmaking and carpentry jobs serving sprawling suburbs and commercial developments

Chicago

A midwest hub for building construction and wood product manufacturing
Over 5,700 woodworkers earning $48,455 on average
Major employer of millworkers, architectural carpenters and furniture craftspeople

Seattle

Pacific Northwest design influence supports artistic wood crafts like woodturning
Maritime and aerospace industries help drive demand for composite woodwork

Minneapolis

Home to major millwork and cabinetry companies as well as small custom shops
Nearly 3,000 area woodworkers with competitive wages

These major job centers offer the widest range of opportunities to launch a woodworking career and build specialized skills. Their urban scale, corporate presence and development momentum translate into steady demand.

How Much do Self-Employed Woodworkers Earn?

Self-employed artisans working independently have wide earning potential based on reputation, expertise and business acumen. Shop owners able to secure steady business can achieve healthy incomes:

The median hourly income for self-employed woodworkers is approximately $25.
Successful studio craftspeople charge hourly shop rates averaging $35 to $50.
Experienced custom furniture makers earn $50 to $80 per hour on commissioned pieces.
Cabinetry shop owners able to land large contracts can bill out their time at $65 to $100 per hour.
Passive income from teaching classes, licensing designs and selling finished products supplements billable time.
Annual earnings of $75,000 to $125,000 are feasible for established independent woodworkers with savvy operations.

Like other skilled trades, values rise for artisans able to solve complex challenges and handle one-of-a-kind projects requiring extensive customization. Business skills then maximize that value.

Types of Beginner Woodworking Jobs

New woodworkers have several potential stepping stone roles to gain fundamental experience:

Carpenter assistant/helper

Learn on residential or commercial building sites assisting full carpenters
Perform basic fabrication, material staging, cleanup, inventory and equipment upkeep
Gain familiarity with construction workflows, terminology and processes

Cabinet shop assistant

Help fabricate cabinets through stages from cutting parts to final finishing
Learn techniques working beside experienced cabinetmakers
Take on simple machining and assembly tasks to start

Woodworking machine operator

Handle repetitive production steps like cutting, drilling and sanding
Understand automation and output flow in manufacturing settings
Get familiar with industrial woodworking machinery via hands-on operation

Custom wood shop assistant

Help complete various stages of commissioned furniture and carpentry work
Gain wide exposure to skills and techniques applied in specialty shops
Aid artisans directly to absorb knowledge working on unique pieces

Hands-on experience builds skills and awareness of industry norms. Taking initiative leads to advancement.

Economic Impact of Woodworking Industry

Despite facing outsourcing pressures, domestic wood product manufacturing retains economic importance:

The US wood product manufacturing sector generated $112 billion in shipments in 2020 and directly employed 370,000 workers prior to the pandemic.
Furniture and related product manufacturing contributed over $27 billion in gross economic output in 2019.
Independent custom wood fabricators, repair services and retailers generated well over $100 billion in additional revenue and considerable employment.
The industry sustains logging, timber, distribution and other support industries as well.
Wood products remain essential materials for residential construction and commercial interiors.
Made in America wood craftsmanship retains strong consumer appeal as well.

With careful stewardship of forests and technology adoption, woodworking can persist as a pillar of manufacturing while advancing sustainability. Niche roles serving urban growth centers may hold particular promise.

Key Takeaways on the Woodworking Industry and Workforce

Hundreds of thousands of Americans pursue woodworking careers ranging from carpentry trades to highly specialized crafts. Core occupations should remain in steady demand.
Custom and specialty skills like cabinetmaking may outgrow production-oriented jobs vulnerable to automation and offshoring. Adapting to new technology is key.
Construction industry needs drive employment of many carpenters and finishers. Home renovation and commercial projects fluctuate based on broader economic conditions.
Small independent custom shops coexist with larger manufacturers. Self-employment remains viable for seasoned artisans filling niche demand. But business expertise is required.
A generation of retiring woodworkers must be replaced through enhanced training and apprenticeship programs able to cultivate new talent.
Pay and job prospects improve for woodworkers who are mobile and willing to relocate to regions with the strongest building activity and other drivers.
Forward-looking firms embrace sustainable forestry certification and environmentally sound practices to meet consumer expectations and cost efficiencies.

American wood craftsmanship persists thanks to passionate individuals committed to the trades. Supporting their skills ensures quality, integrity and innovation carry forward.