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Career pathway

Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers

ANZSCO 3942

Employed

4,600

Part-time share

45%

Female share

24%

Median weekly earnings

$1,405

Median age

53 yrs

Employment outlook

Growing

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

About this career

Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers set up and operate woodworking machines and wood turning lathes to shape wood stock, finish and polish furniture, and make picture frames and frame paintings, photographs and other artwork.

What they typically do

  • Studying drawings, work orders and sample parts to determine specifications
  • Determining tooling and machine requirements and sequence of operations
  • Setting up woodworking machines and wood stock for correct cutting, planning, turning, shaping and sanding
  • Operating machines to cut, plane, turn, shape and sand work pieces
  • Removing old finishes by stripping with steel wool and glasspaper, and by applying solvents and paint strippers, and removing softened finishes by scraping
  • Applying varnish, shellac, lacquer, stains and paint to surfaces and polishing and waxing finished surfaces
  • Fitting and fastening frame pieces
  • Mounting backing materials and subjects for framing

States and territories

Share of workers by location

NSW
26.3%
VIC
24.5%
QLD
16.1%
WA
13.5%
SA
8.2%
TAS
5.1%
ACT
3.3%
NT
3%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers.