Furniture Manufacturing Workers


Overview

Furniture Manufacturing Workers

Introduction

Workers in furniture manufacturing occupations make items such as chairs, sofas, tables, beds, dressers, and desks that make rooms ready for use. Many of these workers are self-employed. Those on staff are employed at furniture manufacturing companies, repair firms, or restoration shops, cutting, shaping, assembling, finishing, and/or upholstering a variety of pieces of furniture.

Part of the home furnishings industry, furniture manufacturing provides employment opportunities for a variety of people, including a number of specialists....

Quick Facts


More

Median Salary

$34,000

More

Employment Prospects

Fair

More

Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma|Apprenticeship


More

Experience

On-the-job training for some careers


More

Skills

Building/Trades|Drawing/Design|Mechanical/Manual Dexterity


More

Personality Traits

Conventional|Hands On|Organized

Earnings

Earnings for furniture manufacturing workers vary according to the occupation, skills, and experience of each employee, as well as the size and location of the employer. In addition, total earnings depend on how workers are paid: Employees who earn piecework rates often make more than those paid by the hour.

The mean annual wage for cabinetmakers and bench carpenters working full time in...

Work Environment

Conditions vary for workers in the furniture manufacturing industry, depending on the employer and the particular job. Employees may work in clean, well-lit factories with good ventilation or in shops where work areas are small and dusty.

Most companies provide their employees with extensive training in safety procedures and require them to wear protective gear. Cabinetmakers and other w...

Outlook

Little or no change in employment is expected for most furniture manufacturing careers through 2028, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Computer-controlled machinery, automated processes, and robots will limit employment in the industry. The two areas that will not be negatively affected by automation are upholstery and custom furniture making, neither of whic...