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OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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94124.00 – Woodworking machine operators

Woodworking machine operators set up, program and operate one or more woodworking machines to fabricate or repair wooden parts for furniture, fixtures or other wood products.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Boring machine operator - woodworking
  • Computer numerically controlled (CNC) band saw operator
  • Drill operator - woodworking
  • Drum sander - woodworking
  • Edge bander operator - woodworking
  • Glue machine operator - woodworking
  • Lathe operator - woodworking
  • Planer operator - woodworking
  • Rough mill operator - woodworking
  • Shaper - woodworking
  • Woodworking machine operator

Core competencies

  • Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment to operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) or manual woodworking machines in order to fabricate or repair parts for furniture, fixtures and other wood products
  • Quality Control Testing to ensure pieces produced are consistent in size, shape and quality in order to maintain the reputation of the manufacturer, comply with industry standards or regulations and meet customer expectations
  • Control of Settings to achieve desired outcomes in terms of dimensions, cuts and finishes from woodworking machines
  • Rate Control and Reaction Time to regulate the speed at which machinery operates while quickly responding to situations that require adjustments to controls in order to maintain quality standards, minimize waste and prevent accidents
  • Independence to interpret instructions, troubleshoot problems and adjust operations as needed without requiring constant supervision
  • Knowledge in Manufacturing, Processing and Production to understand how different woods react to machining processes and how to handle them properly to avoid defects

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Set up, program and operate one or more computer numerically controlled (CNC) or manual woodworking machines such as saws, moulders, lathes, routers, planers, edgers, pressing machines, shapers, drills and sanders to fabricate or repair wooden parts for furniture, fixtures and other wood products
  • Operate gluing machines to glue pieces of wood together or press and affix wood veneer to wood surfaces
  • Operate preset special-purpose woodworking machines to fabricate wood products such as coat hangers, mop handles, clothes pins and other products
  • Read and interpret specifications or follow verbal instructions
  • May clean and lubricate equipment, and replace parts as necessary.

Additional information

  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
  • Mobility is common among jobs in this unit group.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

9 – Occupations in manufacturing and utilities

TEER

4 – Occupations usually require a secondary school diploma; or several weeks of on-the-job training

Major group

94 – Machine operators, assemblers and inspectors in processing, manufacturing and printing

Sub-major group

941 – Processing and manufacturing machine operators and related production workers

Minor group

9412 – Machine operators and related workers in pulp and paper production and wood processing and manufacturing

Unit group

94124 – Woodworking machine operators

Occupational profile

94124.00 – Woodworking machine operators

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.