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How to become Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawingeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$43,380
25th–75th pct. $37,100–$48,720
Top pay (est.)
$73,900
Top 10% $56,830
Pay in 5 years
$49,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$57,100est.
$49,100–$66,300
Outlook score
35/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
35%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−2.5%
5,300 openings / yr

How to become Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.5
Operation and Control
3.2
Quality Control Analysis
3.0
Equipment Maintenance
3.0
Troubleshooting
3.0
Repairing
3.0
Monitoring
2.9
Critical Thinking
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
3.6
Production and Processing
2.9
Mathematics
2.9
Education and Training
2.6
Public Safety and Security
2.2
Building and Construction
2.2
English Language
2.1
Design
2.0

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Reaction TimeVisualizationControl PrecisionSelective AttentionNear VisionOral Comprehension

Education of workers

High school diploma
73%
Less than high school
21%
Post-secondary certificate
5%
Bachelor's degree
2%

Training before entry

None / short demo
31%
Up to 1 month
29%
1–2 years
14%
1–3 months
12%
3–6 months
9%
4–10 years
3%
2–4 years
2%

Related work experience

3–6 months
26%
None
22%
1–2 years
16%
6–12 months
10%
4–6 years
8%
1–3 months
8%
2–4 years
7%
Up to 1 month
4%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.