
Machine woodworkers in the U.S. can earn a decent hourly wage, depending on their experience and the type of machines they operate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for woodworkers in the U.S. is $18.33.
Some machine woodworkers can earn upwards of $25-$30 per hour, especially those with specialized skills or certifications. This can vary depending on the specific industry, location, and employer.
To give you a better idea, here are some hourly wage ranges for machine woodworkers in different industries: woodworking shops ($18-$25), furniture manufacturing ($20-$30), and custom cabinetmaking ($25-$40).
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Woodworker Salary
As a machine woodworker in the U.S., your salary can vary depending on your experience level and location. For instance, an entry-level Wood Machine Operator with less than 1 year of experience earns around $31,816 per year.
The average salary for a Wood Machine Operator in the U.S. is $34,908 per year, which translates to $2,909 per month, $671 per week, and $17 per hour.
Salaries can also differ significantly from state to state. In California, the average yearly salary for a Wood Machine Operator is $38,503, while in Massachusetts, it's $37,980. In New Jersey, a Wood Machine Operator earns $38,259 per year.
Here's a breakdown of average salaries for Wood Machine Operators in the U.S. at different experience levels:
Keep in mind that these figures are based on national averages and can vary depending on your specific location and employer.
Hourly, Weekly, Monthly, and Annual Operator Salary
As a machine woodworker, it's essential to understand how much you can earn per hour, week, month, and year. The salary for a wood machine operator can vary depending on the percentile and location.
The 75th percentile of wood machine operators earn an average of $43,636 per year, which translates to a monthly pay of $3,636.
Here's a breakdown of the hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual salary for wood machine operators:
Keep in mind that these figures are based on national averages and can vary depending on the specific location and industry.
Salary Variance
Salary variance is a significant factor to consider when it comes to the hourly rate of machine woodworkers in the US. Salaries differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
In California, the average yearly salary for a Wood Machine Operator is $38,503, which translates to a higher hourly rate compared to other states.
The starting salary for entry-level Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators and Tenders can range from $22,490 to $26,840 per year or $11 to $13 per hour, depending on experience.
Here's a comparison of average yearly salaries for Wood Machine Operators in different states:
- California: $38,503
- Massachusetts: $37,980
- New Jersey: $38,259
Salary Rank
Salary Rank is a useful tool for comparing the salary of Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators and Tenders to other careers. It's a simple way to see where your salary stands in relation to others.
The salary rank of Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators and Tenders is determined by comparing their average salary to other careers. Based on this comparison, their salary is ranked as a C, indicating that it's average in comparison to other careers.

According to our research, the average salary for a Woodworking Machine Setter, Operator and Tender is $34,908 per year. This is a good benchmark to keep in mind when evaluating your own salary.
Here's a comparison of the average salary for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators and Tenders to other careers, based on their salary rank:
As you can see, the average salary for a Woodworking Machine Setter, Operator and Tender falls into the C category, which is average in comparison to other careers.
Salary Variance by State
Salary variance by state can be a significant factor in determining your take-home pay. Salaries for Wood Machine Operators differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
In California, the average yearly salary for a Wood Machine Operator is $38,503, while in Massachusetts, it's $37,980, and in New Jersey, it's $38,259. These figures illustrate how salaries can vary even within the same region.

If you're considering a move to a higher paying state, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons. For example, while moving to Wyoming might increase your salary, it also means dealing with potentially higher expenses.
Here are some of the highest paying states for Wood Machine Operators, based on annual salaries:
Labor Rates & Profit
Labor rates play a crucial role in determining the profitability of a machine woodworker in the US. The average labor rate for a machine woodworker in the US is around $25-$35 per hour.
In the US, a machine woodworker can earn an hourly wage of $15 to $25, depending on experience and location. This wage range is consistent across various regions, including the Northeast, Midwest, and South.
To increase profitability, machine woodworkers can focus on high-value tasks, such as custom cabinetry and wood finishing, which can command higher labor rates. These tasks often require specialized skills and equipment, resulting in higher earnings per hour.
In fact, a machine woodworker in the US can earn up to $45 per hour for high-end custom work. This is significantly higher than the average labor rate for general woodworking tasks.
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Common Salaries

The salary of a wood machine operator can vary depending on factors like experience and company. According to the data, the average annual salary for a wood machine operator is $34,908.
Here are some common salaries for wood machine operators in the US:
The hourly wage for wood machine operators can range from $13 to $21, depending on the percentile.
Skilled Employee
As you gain experience, your salary as a Wood Machine Operator or Woodworking Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender can significantly increase. For example, an entry-level Wood Machine Operator with less than 1 year of experience earns about $31,816.
The salary range for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders with little to no experience is between $22,490 to $26,840 per year. This is a significant difference from the higher-end salaries of experienced professionals.
Here's a breakdown of the salary increases for Wood Machine Operators based on experience level:
As you move up the career ladder, your salary will continue to rise. For instance, Wood Machine Operators with 5-8 years of experience can expect an average salary of $37,895.
Common Operator Salaries
As you're researching salaries for a Wood Machine Operator role, it's essential to consider the average pay. According to the data, the average yearly salary for a Wood Machine Operator in the United States is $34,908.
The salary can vary significantly depending on the state. For instance, in California, the average yearly salary is $38,503, while in Massachusetts, it's $37,980.
When breaking down the salary into smaller increments, we see that the average monthly pay is $2,909, the weekly pay is $671, and the hourly wage is $17. These figures give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of take-home pay.
Here's a summary of the average salary for a Wood Machine Operator in different states:
Keep in mind that these figures are averages and may not reflect your actual salary. It's always a good idea to research the specific company and location you're interested in to get a more accurate idea of the pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest paying machine operator job?
The highest paying machine operator job is the CMM Programmer, with a salary range of $55,000-$76,000 per year. This role requires specialized skills and expertise, making it a lucrative career path in the manufacturing industry.
How much money can a woodworker make?
Woodworkers can earn between $24,000 and $108,000 per year, with an average hourly rate of $24.81. Salary ranges vary widely depending on factors like experience, location, and industry.
Sources
- https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Skilled_Woodworker_Employee_Wages.html
- https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/wood-machine-operator-salary
- https://www.owlguru.com/career/woodworking-machine-setters-operators-and-tenders-except-sawing/salary/
- https://koetterwoodworking.com/employment-opportunities/
- https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Labor_Rates_and_Profit.html
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