Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing to decrease by -2.5% between 2024 and 2034, from 60,900 to 59,400 jobs. Its estimate of 5,300 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($43,380), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
60,900
Projected employment (2034)
59,400
Projected change (2024–2034)
-3%
Annual openings (projected average)
5,300
Pay & Preparation
$43,380
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operations Monitoring (3.62/5) • Operation and Control (3.5/5) • Quality Control Analysis (3.25/5) • Monitoring (3.12/5) • Troubleshooting (3/5) • Equipment Maintenance (3/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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