How to become a woodworking machine operator
Official title: Woodworking machine operators
Also called: Borer - woodworking, Dowel machine tender, Frazer - woodworking, Planer - woodworking, Sawyer - woodworking, Shaper - woodworking, Turner - woodworking, Bucket lathe operator, Groover - woodworking, Jointer - woodworking, Moulder - woodworking, Embosser - woodworking
Woodworking machine operators set up, program and operate one or more woodworking machines to fabricate or repair wooden parts for furniture, fixtures or other wood products. They are employed in furniture, fixture and other wood products manufacturing establishments.
Main tasks
- Set up, program and operate one or more computer numerically controlled (CNC) or manual woodworking machines such as saws, moulders, lathes, routers, planers, edgers, pressing machines, shapers, drills and sanders to fabricate or repair wooden parts for furniture, fixtures and other wood products
- Operate gluing machines to glue pieces of wood together or press and affix wood veneer to wood surfaces
- Operate preset special-purpose woodworking machines to fabricate wood products such as coat hangers, mop handles, clothes pins and other products
- Read and interpret specifications or follow verbal instructions
- May clean and lubricate equipment, and replace parts as necessary
How to become one
Some secondary school education is usually required. On-the-job training is usually provided. Experience as a labourer in the same company may be required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $42,900 a year The middle half earn $39,000 to $51,578.
- About 6,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 6,100 are projected by 2033. (-4.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Sawmill machine operators
- Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators
- Paper converting machine operators
- Lumber graders and other wood processing inspectors and graders
- Other wood processing machine operators
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a woodworking machine operator?
Some secondary school education is usually required. On-the-job training is usually provided. Experience as a labourer in the same company may be required.
How much does a woodworking machine operator earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $42,900 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $39,000 to $51,578.
Is a woodworking machine operator a growing career in Canada?
Employment is projected to fall 5% by 2033, from about 6,400 to about 6,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a woodworking machine operator?
Usually not. Only 6% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03