Architectural Woodworker

Architectural Woodworkers design, fabricate, and install custom wood structures. In larger companies an architectural woodworker may create designs for others to produce or produce designs that are installed by others. In a self-employed or small business setting, an architectural woodworker will likely participate in all the steps in the creation of a project from design to production to installation.

• • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Strong and able to move lumber
  • Creative
  • Independent

Median $46,000  $32,000 – $80,000

+ 0%

High School diploma

Optional: 1 or 2-year degree in architectural woodworking or cabinetry to get Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA) credentials

• • Woodworking
  • Geometry
  • Calculus
  • Business
  • Forestry

The work environment for an architectural woodworker changes based on their duties. Designers often work in an office setting at a desk using a computer or drawing pad whereas fabricators work in a shop and installers work off-site. Architectural woodworkers use personal protective equipment to limit their exposure to noise from machinery, dust, fumes, and other materials.

• • Communicate effectively
  • Visualize & Problem Solve
  • Apply mathematics
  • Use draft/design tools
  • Use woodworking tools
  • Possess knowledge of industry and related industries
  • Mathematics

• • Know about and be able to identify different types of wood
  • Design, build and install projects
  • Communicate and collaborate with customers
  • Modify designs to meet a variety of needs
  • Select and order materials
  • Oversee the work of others

• US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Woodworkers
• The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA)
• Architectural Woodwork Institute: What is Architectural Woodwork?
• North Central Technical College: Woodscience
• Northwood Technical College: Architectural Woodworking & Cabinetmaking