AustralianCourses
Career pathway

Furniture Finisher

ANZSCO 394211

Employed

570

Part-time share

26%

Female share

11%

Median age

45 yrs

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

Salary and some workforce figures are suppressed for this occupation because Jobs and Skills Australia / the ABS do not publish estimates for small populations (typically fewer than 50 employed people) or because the figures have been perturbed for privacy. They are shown as unavailable rather than zero.

About this career

Furniture Finishers apply finishes, such as stain, lacquer, paint, oil and varnish, to furniture, and polish and wax finished furniture surfaces.

What they typically do

  • Studies drawings, work orders and sample parts to determine specifications.
  • Determines tool and machine requirements and sequence of operations.
  • Sets up woodworking machines and wood stock for correct cutting, planning, turning, shaping and sanding.
  • Operates machines to cut, plane, turn, shape and sand work pieces.
  • Removes old finishes by stripping with steel wool and glasspaper, and by applying solvents and paint strippers, and removing softened finishes by scraping.
  • Applies varnish, shellac, lacquer, stains and paint to surfaces and polishes and waxes finished surfaces.

States and territories

Share of workers by location

NSW
33.2%
VIC
25.3%
QLD
16.7%
SA
11.9%
WA
11.2%
TAS
0.9%
ACT
0.5%
NT
0%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Furniture Finisher.