Furniture Design and Manufacturing: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Furniture Design and Manufacturing is a hands-on, technical discipline focused on the creative and practical development of functional and aesthetic furniture solutions. This program equips learners with the expertise to conceptualize designs, manage production workflows, and execute high-quality craftsmanship using both traditional and modern techniques.
- Design Principles and Visualization: Explore foundational concepts in form, function, and spatial composition, utilizing sketching, digital modeling, and 3D visualization tools to translate ideas into tangible plans.
- Material Science and Selection: Study the properties, sustainability, and performance characteristics of wood, metal, composites, and finishes to make informed decisions in material application.
- Production Techniques and Assembly: Gain proficiency in joinery methods, structural integrity, and assembly processes, including both manual and computer-controlled fabrication systems.
- Finishing and Surface Treatment: Master techniques for sanding, staining, sealing, and coating to enhance durability, appearance, and long-term performance of finished pieces.
- Tool Proficiency and Safety: Develop advanced skills in the safe and efficient operation of hand tools, power tools, and CNC machinery used throughout the furniture-making process.
- Repair and Restoration Practices: Learn diagnostic and corrective methods for restoring damaged or aged furniture while preserving original craftsmanship and historical integrity.
- Project Management and Workflow Planning: Acquire skills in scheduling, cost estimation, and resource allocation to manage end-to-end furniture production from concept to completion.
Furniture Design and Manufacturing Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Furniture Design and Manufacturing Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Furniture Design and Manufacturing degrees, including Furniture Finishers and Woodworkers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 20,820 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture Finishers 51-7021 | $42,530 | $31,200 - $59,820 | 14,230 | $20.45 |
| Woodworkers, All Other 51-7099 | $41,220 | $30,470 - $60,870 | 6,590 | $19.82 |
Furniture Design and Manufacturing Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $32,250 in Tennessee to $62,590 in Massachusetts—a 94% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 20,820 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Furniture Design and Manufacturing by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Furniture Design and Manufacturing programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Furniture Design and Manufacturing is found at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) (39 graduates), North Bennet Street School (NBSS) (22 graduates), Villa Maria College (3 graduates), California College of the Arts (CCA) (2 graduates), and Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 70 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
39 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | risd.edu |
| North Bennet Street School (NBSS) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
22 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | nbss.edu |
| Villa Maria College |
Other Award
|
3 | Buffalo, New York | Private | villa.edu |
| California College of the Arts (CCA) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | San Francisco, California | Private | cca.edu |
| Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) |
Other Award
|
1 | Boston, Massachusetts | Public | massart.edu |
| Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | mcad.edu |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Master's
|
1 | Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| Northcentral Technical College (NTC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Wausau, Wisconsin | Public | ntc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Furniture Design and Manufacturing programs
How much can I earn with a Furniture Design and Manufacturing degree?
Salaries for Furniture Design and Manufacturing graduates vary by role and location. Furniture Finishers earn a median of $42,530 annually, while Woodworkers, All Other earn around $41,220. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $62,590 compared to $32,250 in Tennessee. Approximately 20,820 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Furniture Design and Manufacturing programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Furniture Design and Manufacturing degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) (39 graduates), North Bennet Street School (NBSS) (22 graduates), and Villa Maria College (3 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Furniture Design and Manufacturing growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 102 in 2010 to a peak of 116 in 2020, before declining slightly to 70 in 2023-24. This represents a 31% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Furniture Design and Manufacturing degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Furniture Finishers, Woodworkers, All Other, . Related occupations employ approximately 20,820 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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