TRADES Specialization

Woodworking

Most Woodworking programs take one to two years to complete. Graduates start earning $19,151 right after finishing, climbing to $47,488 four years out.

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About Woodworking

Woodworking is a focused area of study within Precision Production. Graduates typically earn around $47,488 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 81 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 587 students complete this program each year, most earning a certificate. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $19,151
Median Earnings · 4yr: $47,488
Colleges Offering: 81
Graduates / Year: 587
Avg Net Price / yr: $14,613

How Much Do Woodworking Graduates Earn?

Woodworking graduates earn $47,488 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $19,151 climbs to $47,488 by year four.

$19,151

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$47,488

4-Year National Median

Below average for bachelor's degree holders.

$37,055

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 587 students who complete Woodworking programs each year, the majority (43%) earn a certificate degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

43% 34%

Certificate 43%

Associate's 34%

Bachelor's 13%

What Can You Do With a Woodworking Degree?

Woodworking connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Tool and Die Makers leads at $64,050/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↘ -10.8%

Tool and Die Makers

$64,050

$51K $79K 25th–75th pct.

Postsecondary nondegree award 4,700 openings/yr 57K employed nationally

↗ +0.0%

Machinists

$58,750

$48K $68K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 29,500 openings/yr 287K employed nationally

Top Colleges for Woodworking

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Woodworking students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Rhode Island School of Design Providence, RI · Nonprofit	37	18.7%	$50,507	$68,140
2	Lee College Baytown, TX · Public	15	Open	$6,879	$42,178
3	Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Lancaster, PA · Public	14	71.2%	$14,104	$54,681
4	Northcentral Technical College Wausau, WI · Public	12	Open	$10,303	$44,925
5	Saint Paul College Saint Paul, MN · Public	10	Open	$11,495	$38,399
6	Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WI · Public	9	Open	$9,112	$41,113
7	Madison Area Technical College Madison, WI · Public	9	Open	$14,238	$45,413
8	Palomar College San Marcos, CA · Public	7	Open	$5,763	$42,300
9	Columbus Technical College Columbus, GA · Public	7	Open	$4,001	$34,238
10	Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WI · Public	6	Open	$11,407	$45,684
11	SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, NY · Public	6	73%	$11,346	$52,334
12	Northwood Technical College Rice Lake, WI · Public	6	Open	$8,989	$43,406
13	Macomb Community College Warren, MI · Public	5	Open	$1,618	$41,596
14	Bucks County Community College Newtown, PA · Public	5	Open	$6,389	$47,324
15	Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MN · Public	5	Open	$10,272	$49,460
16	Minneapolis College of Art and Design Minneapolis, MN · Nonprofit	5	48.5%	$29,926	$40,873
17	Laney College Oakland, CA · Public	4	Open	$17,110	$37,282
18	Eastern Maine Community College Bangor, ME · Public	4	Open	$8,928	$41,704
19	California College of the Arts San Francisco, CA · Nonprofit	4	91.1%	$53,909	$49,414
20	El Camino Community College District Torrance, CA · Public	2	Open	$5,968	$41,589

View all colleges

Ranked by Woodworking graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Woodworking program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Woodworking degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Woodworking Degree: Pros & Cons

Woodworking carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 3 strengths and 3 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.

PROS

Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $19,151 at graduation to $47,488 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 34,200 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Flexible credential paths Programs are available from certificate and associate levels through bachelor's and graduate degrees, giving students real options based on timeline and goals.

CONS

Modest median earnings Four-year median of $47,488 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Licensure often required Many positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
Declining roles in some areas 1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.

Woodworking Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Woodworking graduates earn?

Woodworking graduates earn a national median of $47,488 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between below median and $61,355. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Woodworking degree?

One year after graduation, Woodworking degree holders earn a median of $19,151. That climbs to $47,488 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Woodworking degree?

Woodworking degree holders pursue careers including Tool and Die Makers, which pays a median of $64,050/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Woodworking program take?

Most Woodworking certificate programs take one to two years of full-time study. Some are available in as little as one semester at community colleges.

How many colleges offer Woodworking?

81 colleges and universities in the United States offer Woodworking programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Woodworking degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $47,488 and an average net price of roughly $14,613/yr, a Woodworking degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Woodworking and Precision Production?

Woodworking is a focused concentration within the broader Precision Production field. The Precision Production major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Woodworking-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Woodworking graduates?

Employers hiring Woodworking graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.

What is the job outlook for Woodworking graduates?

The job outlook for Woodworking graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of -5.4% job growth over the next 10 years. Machinists is among the strongest-growth roles at +0.0%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.