Woodworking Machine Operators

(NOC 9437)

in All Manufacturing and Utilities

Woodworking machine operators set up, program and use woodworking machines to build or repair wooden parts for furniture, fixtures or other wood products. They work for furniture, fixture and other wood products manufacturers.

Job Outlook

Undetermined

Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

Estimate 435 employment change, 2021-2023
Estimate 1945 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Woodworking Machine Operators most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a average portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.

The median employment income for 67% of Woodworking Machine Operators who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $32,887. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)

Hourly Pay

N/A

Minimum

N/A

Median

N/A

Maximum

Annual Pay

N/A

Minimum

$26,727

Median

N/A

Maximum

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

Hourly Pay

$13.00

Minimum

$23.91

Median

$35.04

Maximum

Annual Pay

$6,056

Minimum

$30,111

Median

$70,518

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Woodworking machine operators:

Set up, program and use computer numerically controlled (CNC) or manual woodworking machines like saws, moulders, lathes, routers, planers, edgers, pressing machines, shapers, drills and sanders to make or repair wooden parts.
Use gluing machines to glue pieces of wood together or press and attach wood veneer to wood surfaces.
Use preset special-purpose woodworking machines to make wood products like coat hangers, mop handles, clothes pins and other products.
Read and understand specifications or follow spoken instructions.
May clean and grease equipment and replace parts as necessary.

Sample job titles

boring machine operator
computer numerical control (CNC) band saw operator
drill operator
drum sander
edge banner operator
glue machine operator
lathe operator
planer operator
rough mill operator
shaper
woodworking machine operator

Skills

You should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and mechanical ability are important. You must be able to follow directions and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.

Job requirements

Some high school is usually needed.
On-the-job training is usually provided.
Experience as a labourer in the same company may be necessary.

Other considerations

These are largely rural jobs, and self-employment is not common. Movement is common among jobs in this unit group. Movement to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

employed in 2016

88.9%

employed full-time

27.8%

self employed

16.7%

83.3%

52.9

median age

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

15,275

employed in 2016

83.2%

employed full-time

3.2%

self employed

27.6%

72.4%

44.7

median age

Where will I likely work?

36.8%

North Shore

N/A

15.8%

Southern

N/A

15.8%

Cape Breton

N/A

15.8%

Halifax

N/A

15.8%

Annapolis Valley

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

75.0%

Manufacturing

12.5%

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

12.5%

Transportation and warehousing

What is the age of Employment?

37.0%

45-54

26.0%

55-64

16.0%

65+

11.0%

25-34

11.0%

35-44

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

24.5%

45-54

20.8%

55-64

19.3%

35-44

16.5%

25-34

15.0%

15-24

Top levels of education

33.3%

Less than high school

N/A

22.2%

High school

N/A

22.2%

College Diploma

N/A

16.7%

Trade Certification

N/A

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

38.1%

High school

$28,505 median annual income

23.3%

Less than high school

$19,224 median annual income

19.9%

College Diploma

$38,781 median annual income

12.2%

Trade Certification

$43,975 median annual income

4.5%

Bachelor

$39,715 median annual income

Education & training

High School Diploma or Equivalent

High School Program

Adults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS

admission@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Website

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Website

Community Learning Organizations

Various, NS

Website

Machine Tool Technology/Machinist

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to plan, manufacture, assemble, test, and repair parts, mechanisms, machines, and structures in which materials are cast, formed, shaped, moulded, heat treated, cut, twisted, pressed, fused, stamped or worked.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Website

Apprenticeship Training

Halifax, NS

apprenticeship@novascotia.ca

Website