Woodworking: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Woodworking is a hands-on discipline focused on the design, construction, and finishing of wooden structures, furniture, and decorative elements using both traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques. This program equips students with technical proficiency in material selection, tool operation, and structural integrity, preparing them for careers in custom fabrication, restoration, and creative production.
- Wood Material Science: Study of wood properties, grain patterns, moisture content, and durability to inform optimal material selection for specific applications.
- Joinery Techniques: Mastery of structural connections such as mortise and tenon, dovetail, and biscuit joints to ensure strength and aesthetic quality in assembled pieces.
- Power and Hand Tool Proficiency: Comprehensive training in the safe and precise operation of saws, routers, planers, chisels, and sanders across various project phases.
- Furniture Design and Drafting: Application of technical drawing, scale modeling, and CAD software to translate conceptual ideas into functional, buildable designs.
- Finishing and Surface Treatment: Expertise in applying stains, varnishes, oils, and sealants to enhance both appearance and longevity of finished woodwork.
- Wood Restoration and Conservation: Methods for preserving and repairing antique or historically significant wooden artifacts using period-appropriate materials and techniques.
- Project Management in Craft Production: Skills in planning timelines, estimating materials, managing costs, and organizing workflows for complex or large-scale woodworking projects.
Woodworking Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Woodworking Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Woodworking degrees, including 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 6,590 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodworkers, All Other 51-7099 | $41,220 | $30,470 - $60,870 | 6,590 | $19.82 |
Woodworking Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $28,880 in Ohio to $61,690 in Pennsylvania—a 114% difference. The highest-paying states include Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Oklahoma. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 6,590 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 Woodworking by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Woodworking 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 Woodworking is found at The Landing School (4 graduates), and Utah Valley University (UVU) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Landing School |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Arundel, Maine | Private | landingschool.edu |
| Utah Valley University (UVU) |
Other Award
|
2 | Orem, Utah | Public | uvu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Woodworking programs
How much can I earn with a Woodworking degree?
Salaries for Woodworking graduates vary by role and location. Woodworkers, All Other earn a median of $41,220 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Pennsylvania average $61,690 compared to $28,880 in Ohio. Approximately 6,590 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 Woodworking programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Woodworking degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include The Landing School (4 graduates), Utah Valley University (UVU) (2 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 Woodworking growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 78 in 2010 to a peak of 31 in 2020, before declining slightly to 6 in 2023-24. This represents a 92% 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 Woodworking degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Woodworkers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 6,590 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.
Related Production Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Production field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Precision Production
Any instructional program in precision production not listed above.
Upholstery and Upholstering
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install springs, filling, padding, covering and finishing on items such as...
Machine Tool Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to plan, manufacture, assemble, test, and repair parts, mechanisms, machines, and structures...
Machine Shop Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to fabricate and modify metal parts in support of other manufacturing, repair...
Sheet Metal Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to form, shape, bend and fold extruded metals, including the creation of...
Tool and Die Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate machine tools used in the forming of metal components, as...