Woodworking is seen as a profitable sector, attracting numerous individuals interested in establishing a career within this field.
For those seeking to understand the present conditions of the industry, including its market size, developmental trajectory, and prevailing consumer trends, this detailed overview provides a wealth of significant information and data.
I have drawn from a range of expert sources on developments, new and old. Without further ado, here are key woodworking statistics that offer valuable insights into the industry’s opportunities and challenges today.
1. Males dominate the Woodworking Industry.
According to available woodworking statistics, there is a significant gender gap in the industry, with only 8.0% of woodworkers being women while the remaining 92.0% are men.
This disparity is primarily due to a historical trend that has long associated woodworking with men, leading to fewer women pursuing careers or hobbies in this field.
2. Females earn 80 cents for every $1 earned by male.
The gender pay gap is a significant issue that affects many industries, including woodworking.
The causes of the gender pay gap are complex and multifaceted, but they generally stem from a combination of factors, including occupational segregation, differences in education and training, and discrimination.
3. In terms of race, White dominates Woodworking.
The demographics of the woodworking industry show a clear ethnic disparity, with the majority of woodworkers being White.
According to available data, White individuals represent 75.9% of the woodworking population, while Latino or Hispanic individuals account for 8.2%, and Black or African American individuals account for 6.2%.
4. In terms of salary, White Woodworkers earn the highest average.
Woodworking statistics reveal that there is a significant ethnic disparity in terms of average salary, with White woodworkers earning the highest and Asian woodworkers earning the lowest.
According to available data, White woodworkers have the highest average salary compared to other ethnicities, earning an average of $49,127 per year. In contrast, Asian woodworkers have the lowest average salary at $39,195 per year.
5. Most woodworkers are 40 and above in terms of age.
It is interesting to note that the average age of woodworkers is 40 years old or above, representing 54% of the woodworking population.
This demographic trend suggests that the woodworking industry may be facing a looming talent shortage, as the current generation of woodworkers begins to age and retire.
6. Most Woodworkers have Bachelor's Degrees.
According to available data, the most common degree among woodworkers is a bachelor’s degree, with 36% of woodworkers having earned this degree.
A close second is a high school diploma, with 30% of woodworkers having this level of education. Rounding off the top three degrees is an associate degree, with 20% of woodworkers having earned this degree.
These statistics suggest that education plays a significant role in the woodworking industry, with a wide range of educational backgrounds represented among woodworkers.
7. Most woodworkers prefer being employed in private companies.
Private companies account for approximately 85% of all woodworking industry employment, with the remaining 13% being employed in non-private industries such as government or non-profit organizations.
The preference for private company employment among woodworkers may be due to several factors, including the potential for higher salaries, greater job security, and more opportunities for career advancement.
8. Manufacturing industries hire the most number of woodworkers.
Woodworkers find substantial employment opportunities within manufacturing industries, which rank among the primary sectors providing employment within the woodworking industry.
According to available data, the furniture manufacturing industry is one of the largest employers of woodworkers, accounting for approximately 24% of all woodworking industry employment.
9. Woodworkers that stay at their jobs for at least 2 years are at 28%.
A total percentage of 28% of woodworkers stay at their jobs for at least two years. This suggests that turnover may be relatively high in the woodworking industry, with many woodworkers transitioning between different jobs or employers over time.
Factors that may contribute to turnover in the woodworking industry include issues such as low pay, lack of access to training and resources, and limited opportunities for career advancement.
10. Spanish is the common language of most woodworkers.
While Spanish may be a commonly spoken language among some woodworkers, it is important to recognize and respect the diversity of languages and cultures represented within the industry.
Efforts to promote greater diversity and inclusion in the woodworking industry should include initiatives aimed at supporting individuals from all linguistic and cultural backgrounds, including providing access to language resources and training programs as needed.
11. Woodworkers in Alaska have the highest earnings.
Woodworkers in Alaska have the highest average salary among all U.S. states, with an average salary of $51,600 per year.
The factors that contribute to higher salaries for woodworkers in Alaska may include a higher cost of living, as well as the unique demands and challenges of working in a remote and rugged environment.
Additionally, Alaska has a relatively strong economy and a thriving manufacturing sector, which may also contribute to higher salaries for woodworkers in the state.
12. Popular states with most woodworkers include Saint Cloud, MN and New York, NY.
Undoubtedly, these states house a plethora of woodworking businesses and employment prospects.
This observation is backed by an analysis of 788 resumes, indicating that such opportunities are not only abundant in these particular regions but are also widespread across various other cities and states nationwide.
13. Woodworker unemployment rent went down from 9.77% in 2010 to 4.90% in 2021.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate among woodworkers in the United States decreased from 9.77% in 2010 to 4.90% in 2021.
This represents a significant improvement in the job market for woodworkers over the past decade, with fewer individuals in this profession experiencing unemployment.
14. Marshfield, MA woodworkers earn the highest annual wage of $60, 853.
Marshfield, MA offers the highest reported annual average wage for woodworkers in the United States, with woodworkers in this town earning an average of $60,853 per year.
This may be attributed to factors such as the demand for woodworking services in the region, a higher cost of living, or a greater number of skilled woodworking professionals in the area.
15. Table saws resulted in the most injuries in Woodworking.
Table saws, prevalent in the world of woodworking, are unfortunately linked to the highest number of injuries. Annually, they are responsible for more than 39,750 injuries, accumulating medical costs that surpass the $2 billion mark.
The fingers and hands bear the brunt of these injuries, being the most frequently harmed body parts in such incidents.
16. An estimated total of 10,930 injuries in woodworking are caused by these tools: Shapers, Sanders, Planers, and Jointers.
Woodworking data indicates that around 10,930 injuries occur annually due to the use of various types of tools and equipment. Although miter saws are generally considered to be user-friendly, they may not be completely safe.
If not set up correctly on a bench or table, accidents and injuries could result, including lacerations or other types of harm.
17. Each year, there’s an estimated total of 3,500 woodworking injuries caused by Band Saws.
Band saws are responsible for over 3,500 injuries annually. To prevent such injuries, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established regulations that require the installation of guards on band saws.
Proper guarding of the blades and enclosing the wheels of the saw are crucial to prevent injuries. Additionally, band saws should have tension control devices to prevent injuries that can occur due to saw breakage resulting from blade tension.
18. Radial Arm Saw - An estimated 350 injuries per year has been recorded.
In the past, the radial arm saw was a popular tool in woodshops due to its versatility and ability to handle various tasks. However, its limitations in terms of board width and difficulty in setting up for rip cuts have made the table saw a more popular choice as the primary shop machine.
As a result, the use of radial arm saws has declined, which is reflected in the low number of reported accidents involving the tool, according to NEISS figures, with only 4 accidents reported in total.
19. 60.5% of injuries were from amateur woodworkers.
A comprehensive demographic survey, encompassing 1000 woodworkers who sustained injuries disclosed that a substantial portion of these incidents took place among hobbyist woodworkers. Specifically, they represented 60.5% of the total recorded injuries.
20. 27% of woodworking injuries required hospitalization.
Of the 1000 injured woodworkers surveyed, 27% of the respondents required hospitalization for an average of 3.7 days, indicating the severity of some of the injuries sustained.
Additionally, 22.8% of those surveyed were treated by hand surgeons, suggesting that hand injuries were among the most common types of injuries reported by woodworkers.
These findings underscore the importance of proper safety measures and precautions when working with wood and woodworking machinery to prevent serious and potentially debilitating injuries.
21. 720,000 woodworkers are injured each year.
Woodworking involves various occupational hazards that could result in serious injuries to workers. The other most commonly reported injuries in the industry include cuts or lacerations, brain injuries, back and neck injuries, eye injuries, and electrical injuries or electrocution.
Epidemiological research and surveys have indicated that more than 720,000 individuals suffer from woodworking injuries each year. These injuries are often caused by the use of power tools, which can lead to physical and psychological impairments, including chronic pain.
22. Basic compensation for woodworking accidents include the following:
A study was conducted on 495 primary care patients in Northern Vermont who suffered injuries related to woodworking, wood-related construction, and home repair activities and materials.
The average total cost of treatment was $530 for work-related injuries and $342 for non-work-related injuries, with higher costs associated with back and arm injuries and injuries caused by powered equipment and elevations.
Patients averaged 11.6 days of work disability, 10.3 days for home activities, and 13.1 days for recreation at six months post-injury.
Most of the disability was experienced by non-hospitalized patients, and only 29% of hospital charges for work-related injuries were covered by workman’s compensation. Self-employed contractors and carpenters were particularly lacking in coverage by workmen’s compensation.
23. The Woodworking Machinery Manufacturing industry is expected to generate $941.7 million in revenue.
In 2023, the Woodworking Machinery Manufacturing industry is projected to generate $941.7 million in revenue, indicating the industry’s significant economic impact.
Advancements in technology, consumer trends, and access to skilled labor and training may contribute to the industry’s growth and development. Efforts to promote innovation and progress within the industry can help ensure its continued success.
24. Eco-Conscious Material Sourcing is one of the leading trends in Woodworking.
In the realm of woodworking, there’s a prominent trend gravitating towards the use of eco-friendly materials.
This shift is underscored by a focus on sourcing locally and opting for sustainable alternatives, a change largely influenced by the uncertainties present in supply chains.
25. Growing utilization of woodworking machinery is a trend to watch as well.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted many industries worldwide, including woodworking machinery. Despite the challenges, the global market for woodworking machinery is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
According to industry reports, the global market for woodworking machinery was valued at approximately US$4.6 billion in 2022.
By 2030, this market is projected to reach a size of US$7.2 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% over the period 2022-2030.
26. Custom Woodworking is in demand despite its high ceiling price at $2,600 in average.
In the US, the average cost of custom furniture is around $2,600, according to industry data and DIY statistics. However, this average price can be misleading since costs can range anywhere from $200 to $12,000 or more, depending on the specific factors involved.
Some of the primary factors that determine the cost of custom furniture include the type of wood species used, the design complexity, the size of the piece, the build quality, and the warranty provided.
27. Wooden toys are the most profitable products in handmade woodworking at 30%.
The gross margin of a wooden toy manufacturing and sales business is a critical metric for determining profitability.
A gross margin of 30% means that for every dollar of revenue generated, the business retains 30 cents to cover operating expenses, such as material costs, labor costs, rent, and other overhead expenses.
This margin may seem high, but it can be challenging to maintain profitability when the business incurs new expenses, such as marketing campaigns, inventory management systems, or additional staff.
Read Next: Highest Paying Woodworking Jobs
Conclusion
The presented statistics underscore the impressive expansion and potential within the woodworking industry, propelled by elements like technological advancements, shifts in consumer preferences, and a growing inclination towards sustainable materials and methodologies.
Nevertheless, the sector is not without its challenges. Variability in the prices and accessibility of raw materials, evolving consumer trends, and stringent regulatory measures concerning sustainability and the safety of workers all pose significant hurdles to navigate.
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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