Furniture Finishers

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Confer with customers to determine furniture colors or finishes.84
Brush, spray, or hand-rub finishing ingredients, such as paint, oil, stain, or wax, onto and into wood grain and apply lacquer or other sealers.82
Fill and smooth cracks or depressions, remove marks and imperfections, and repair broken parts, using plastic or wood putty, glue, nails, or screws.82
Smooth, shape, and touch up surfaces to prepare them for finishing, using sandpaper, pumice stones, steel wool, chisels, sanders, or grinders.81
Remove accessories prior to finishing, and mask areas that should not be exposed to finishing processes or substances.80
Remove old finishes and damaged or deteriorated parts, using hand tools, stripping tools, sandpaper, steel wool, abrasives, solvents, or dip baths.79
Recommend woods, colors, finishes, and furniture styles, using knowledge of wood products, fashions, and styles.78
Treat warped or stained surfaces to restore original contours and colors.77
Select appropriate finishing ingredients such as paint, stain, lacquer, shellac, or varnish, depending on factors such as wood hardness and surface type.77
Mix finish ingredients to obtain desired colors or shades.76
Wash surfaces to prepare them for finish application.76
Remove excess solvent, using cloths soaked in paint thinner.75

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Follow blueprints to produce specific designs.75
Paint metal surfaces electrostatically, or by using a spray gun or other painting equipment.74
Examine furniture to determine the extent of damage or deterioration, and to decide on the best method for repair or restoration.73
Distress surfaces with woodworking tools or abrasives before staining to create an antique appearance, or rub surfaces to bring out highlights and shadings.72
Stencil, gild, emboss, mark, or paint designs or borders to reproduce the original appearance of restored pieces, or to decorate new pieces.72
Disassemble items to prepare them for finishing, using hand tools.71
Replace or refurbish upholstery of items, using tacks, adhesives, softeners, solvents, stains, or polish.71
Design, create, and decorate entire pieces or specific parts of furniture, such as draws for cabinets.70
Spread graining ink over metal portions of furniture to simulate wood-grain finish.70
Brush bleaching agents on wood surfaces to restore natural color.65

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening53
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking53
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Judgment and Decision Making50
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Operations Monitoring50
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Speaking50
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Complex Problem Solving47
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination47
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Quality Control Analysis47
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Service Orientation47
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Active Learning44
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

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Instructing44
Teaching others how to do something.
Operation and Control44
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Reading Comprehension44
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Social Perceptiveness44
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Management of Personnel Resources41
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Learning Strategies38
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Persuasion38
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Troubleshooting38
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Selection35
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Repairing35
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Writing35
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Equipment Maintenance31
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Negotiation31
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Management of Material Resources28
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Analysis28
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Systems Analysis28
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation28
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Mathematics25
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Management of Financial Resources22
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Technology Design13
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Programming3
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Science3
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Production and Processing57
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mechanical51
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Design48
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Education and Training46
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language45
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service43
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mathematics40
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administration and Management36
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Building and Construction36
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Public Safety and Security35
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Chemistry32
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Transportation27
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

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Law and Government26
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Engineering and Technology23
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Personnel and Human Resources21
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Administrative20
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Foreign Language18
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Sales and Marketing18
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Communications and Media16
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Psychology16
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Food Production15
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Physics15
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Computers and Electronics14
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Economics and Accounting13
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Geography11
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Sociology and Anthropology10
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Telecommunications10
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Fine Arts9
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Therapy and Counseling9
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Biology6
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Medicine and Dentistry6
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Philosophy and Theology6
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
History and Archeology4
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Visual Color Discrimination72
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Arm-Hand Steadiness69
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Manual Dexterity66
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Control Precision63
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Visualization60
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Selective Attention56
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Static Strength56
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Trunk Strength56
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Dynamic Strength53
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Finger Dexterity53
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

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Flexibility of Closure53
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Inductive Reasoning53
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Multilimb Coordination53
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Oral Comprehension53
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression53
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity53
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Information Ordering50
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension50
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Extent Flexibility47
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Originality47
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Speech Clarity47
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Stamina47
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Auditory Attention44
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity44
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Wrist-Finger Speed44
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Gross Body Coordination41
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Depth Perception38
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Fluency of Ideas38
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Rate Control38
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Speed of Closure38
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Reaction Time35
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Speed of Limb Movement35
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Response Orientation31
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Written Expression31
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Gross Body Equilibrium28
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Time Sharing28
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Explosive Strength19
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity16
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Sound Localization13
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Night Vision10
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision10
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Spatial Orientation10
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Flexibility6
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information77
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems75
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials72
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Handling and Moving Objects70
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events68
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Performing General Physical Activities68
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings67
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates66
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People66
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Thinking Creatively66
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge66
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards65
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships63
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work62
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information56
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Processing Information54
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Training and Teaching Others54
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others51
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others49
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Assisting and Caring for Others48
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Developing Objectives and Strategies48
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Controlling Machines and Processes47
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Coaching and Developing Others46
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates46
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others46
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing and Building Teams45
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others45
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Scheduling Work and Activities45
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources44
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Analyzing Data or Information43
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment42
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Documenting/Recording Information40
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Working with Computers39
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization37
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public34
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Staffing Organizational Units34
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Performing Administrative Activities32
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment31
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Selling or Influencing Others27
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment24
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment16
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail83
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability67
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness46
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance39
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Achievement Orientation32
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Innovation31
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Integrity26
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Control19
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Stress Tolerance18
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Intellectual Curiosity16
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Self-Confidence16
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative13
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

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Adaptability7
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Cooperation6
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Sincerity2
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic100
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Artistic32
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Conventional31
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative8
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Social4
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Enterprising0
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day93%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually88%
- More than half the time11%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day81%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually67%
- More than half the time32%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important46%
- Very important30%
- Important21%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day65%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Never17%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day48%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Never18%
Time Pressure
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day40%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never11%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility35%
- High responsibility33%
- Limited responsibility22%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom28%
- Some freedom44%
- Limited freedom18%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important38%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day48%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Never27%

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Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually21%
- More than half the time34%
- About half the time33%
- Less than half the time12%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day51%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never14%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually26%
- More than half the time28%
- About half the time28%
- Less than half the time15%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results35%
- Important results22%
- Moderate results22%
- No results15%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours36%
- 40 hours53%
- Less than 40 hours11%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day60%
- Never35%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others38%
- Contact with others most of the time19%
- Occasional contact with others19%
- No contact with others23%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually25%
- More than half the time14%
- About half the time29%
- Less than half the time27%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility17%
- High responsibility35%
- Moderate responsibility14%
- Limited responsibility22%
- No responsibility12%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important29%
- Very important17%
- Important14%
- Fairly important21%
- Not important at all18%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)11%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)24%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)37%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)26%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Some freedom16%
- Limited freedom49%
- Very little freedom14%
Conflict Situations
- Every day17%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
- Never19%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day32%
- Never48%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day35%
- Never62%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive49%
- Slightly competitive16%
- Not at all competitive25%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never34%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day22%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never49%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time75%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious11%
- Fairly serious51%
- Not serious at all22%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never26%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day22%
- Never63%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important11%
- Very important12%
- Fairly important12%
- Not important at all57%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Important20%
- Fairly important11%
- Not important at all54%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Never68%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never60%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time34%
- Never52%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Never68%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day11%
- Never80%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Never82%
Spend Time Sitting
- About half the time14%
- Less than half the time24%
- Never62%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)25%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)75%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Important17%
- Not important at all76%
E-Mail
- Never82%
Degree of Automation
- Slightly automated16%
- Not at all automated74%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never79%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never86%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never86%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never86%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never82%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never82%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time13%
- Never85%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never92%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never93%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Less than high school diploma
Post-secondary certificate

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks
Data base user interface and query software
DuPont ColorNet, DuPont Spies Hecker Wizard
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Internet browser software
Web browser software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Confer with customers or designers to determine order specifications.
Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.
Repair furniture or upholstery.
Fill cracks, imperfections, or holes in products or workpieces.
Shape surfaces or edges of wood workpieces.
Operate grinding equipment.
Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.
Advise others on ways to improve processes or products.
Select production input materials.
Clean workpieces or finished products.
Mix ingredients to create specific finishes.
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.

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Operate painting or coating equipment.
Examine condition of property or products.
Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
Design furniture.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Furniture Finisher

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology