Woodworking Machine Operators
(NOC 9437)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesWoodworking 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
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Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. 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 fair 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
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$26,727
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$23.91
Median$35.04
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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 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
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Cape Breton
Halifax
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
65+
25-34
35-44
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Less than high school
N/AHigh school
N/ACollege Diploma
N/AApprenticeship
N/ACompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,505 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,224 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$38,781 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
College or Trades ProgramThese 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
Stellarton, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.