Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

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.

Set up, program, operate, or tend computerized or manual woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, or wood-nailing machines.85
Examine finished workpieces for smoothness, shape, angle, depth-of-cut, or conformity to specifications and verify dimensions, visually and using hands, rules, calipers, templates, or gauges.85
Start machines, adjust controls, and make trial cuts to ensure that machinery is operating properly.84
Monitor operation of machines and make adjustments to correct problems and ensure conformance to specifications.84
Examine raw woodstock for defects and to ensure conformity to size and other specification standards.83
Adjust machine tables or cutting devices and set controls on machines to produce specified cuts or operations.83
Install and adjust blades, cutterheads, boring-bits, or sanding-belts, using hand tools and rules.82
Change alignment and adjustment of sanding, cutting, or boring machine guides to prevent defects in finished products, using hand tools.81
Determine product specifications and materials, work methods, and machine setup requirements, according to blueprints, oral or written instructions, drawings, or work orders.81
Feed stock through feed mechanisms or conveyors into planing, shaping, boring, mortising, or sanding machines to produce desired components.81
Push or hold workpieces against, under, or through cutting, boring, or shaping mechanisms.80
Select knives, saws, blades, cutter heads, cams, bits, or belts, according to workpiece, machine functions, or product specifications.80

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Remove and replace worn parts, bits, belts, sandpaper, or shaping tools.79
Secure woodstock against a guide or in a holding device, place woodstock on a conveyor, or dump woodstock in a hopper to feed woodstock into machines.79
Inspect and mark completed workpieces and stack them on pallets, in boxes, or on conveyors so that they can be moved to the next workstation.78
Inspect pulleys, drive belts, guards, or fences on machines to ensure that machines will operate safely.77
Clean or maintain products, machines, or work areas.76
Attach and adjust guides, stops, clamps, chucks, or feed mechanisms, using hand tools.76
Trim wood parts according to specifications, using planes, chisels, or wood files or sanders.75
Unclamp workpieces and remove them from machines.74
Start machines and move levers to engage hydraulic lifts that press woodstocks into desired forms and disengage lifts after appropriate drying times.74
Operate gluing machines to glue pieces of wood together, or to press and affix wood veneer to wood surfaces.69
Set up, program, or control computer-aided design (CAD) or computer numerical control (CNC) machines.69
Grease or oil woodworking machines.64
Control hoists to remove parts or products from work stations.57

Skills

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

Operations Monitoring66
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control63
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis56
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Equipment Maintenance50
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Speaking50
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Troubleshooting50
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Active Listening47
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.
Equipment Selection47
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Judgment and Decision Making47
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Repairing47
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

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Complex Problem Solving44
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension44
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Time Management44
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning38
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Mathematics35
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Learning Strategies31
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Social Perceptiveness31
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Coordination28
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Systems Evaluation25
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Installation22
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Instructing22
Teaching others how to do something.
Management of Personnel Resources22
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Negotiation22
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Operations Analysis22
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Persuasion22
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation22
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Writing22
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Management of Material Resources19
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Programming19
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Systems Analysis19
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Management of Financial Resources16
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Science13
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

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

Mechanical57
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Production and Processing49
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mathematics48
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Public Safety and Security38
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.
Building and Construction34
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Education and Training34
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Design33
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language32
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administration and Management25
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.
Transportation24
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
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.
Computers and Electronics20
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

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Customer and Personal Service20
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.
Chemistry18
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.
Sales and Marketing17
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.
Personnel and Human Resources16
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Physics14
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.
Administrative10
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Medicine and Dentistry10
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.
Psychology9
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.
Communications and Media7
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Economics and Accounting7
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Biology5
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Therapy and Counseling5
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Telecommunications4
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Foreign Language3
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.
Law and Government3
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Philosophy and Theology3
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.
Sociology and Anthropology2
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Food Production1
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Geography1
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.
Fine Arts0
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
History and Archeology0
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Near Vision66
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Reaction Time66
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Control Precision63
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity63
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Oral Comprehension60
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Multilimb Coordination56
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.
Problem Sensitivity56
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.
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.
Arm-Hand Steadiness53
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Auditory Attention53
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Far Vision53
The ability to see details at a distance.

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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.
Perceptual Speed53
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.
Selective Attention53
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Visualization53
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Dynamic Strength50
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Extent Flexibility50
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Flexibility of Closure50
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
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).
Oral Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Rate Control50
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.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Depth Perception47
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.
Inductive Reasoning47
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Speech Clarity47
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Written Comprehension47
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Response Orientation41
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.
Speed of Limb Movement41
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Visual Color Discrimination41
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Wrist-Finger Speed41
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Hearing Sensitivity38
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Stamina38
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Gross Body Coordination35
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Number Facility35
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Time Sharing31
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Gross Body Equilibrium28
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Fluency of Ideas25
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).
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.
Originality25
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.
Written Expression25
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Explosive Strength22
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Sound Localization19
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation19
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Flexibility16
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Peripheral Vision16
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Glare Sensitivity13
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision10
The ability to see under low-light conditions.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Controlling Machines and Processes75
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects73
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials70
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Getting Information65
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Performing General Physical Activities63
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.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates60
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems56
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings54
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events51
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People51
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Processing Information51
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information47
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards44
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Thinking Creatively42
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work41
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment40
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge39
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Documenting/Recording Information37
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others36
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Training and Teaching Others36
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Analyzing Data or Information34
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Developing and Building Teams34
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships34
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment32
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Coaching and Developing Others30
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment28
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.
Assisting and Caring for Others26
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Developing Objectives and Strategies26
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others26
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others25
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Working with Computers25
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Scheduling Work and Activities24
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment23
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.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates22
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others21
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources20
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Selling or Influencing Others12
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization11
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 Administrative Activities8
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public8
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Staffing Organizational Units7
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Work Styles

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

Attention to Detail84
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability72
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness63
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Achievement Orientation29
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.
Stress Tolerance27
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Integrity25
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Perseverance25
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Control25
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Adaptability18
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Self-Confidence17
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Intellectual Curiosity13
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Cooperation12
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

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Initiative9
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Sincerity1
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.
Conventional52
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.
Investigative23
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.
Social3
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.
Artistic2
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.
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.

Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day99%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day85%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day87%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually89%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually88%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day92%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day86%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important55%
- Very important30%
- Important15%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually67%
- More than half the time11%
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time11%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day79%
- Never14%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important46%
- Very important32%
- Important19%
Time Pressure
- Every day49%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%

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Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually47%
- More than half the time18%
- About half the time17%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom35%
- Some freedom40%
- No freedom17%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom29%
- Some freedom36%
- Limited freedom16%
- Very little freedom15%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours37%
- 40 hours58%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important36%
- Very important30%
- Important11%
- Not important at all13%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others43%
- Contact with others most of the time16%
- Occasional contact with others26%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day58%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never21%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day25%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results22%
- Important results31%
- Moderate results25%
- No results14%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility36%
- Moderate responsibility27%
- Limited responsibility13%
- No responsibility14%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day32%
- Once a week or more but not every day30%
- Never25%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility37%
- Moderate responsibility24%
- Limited responsibility13%
- No responsibility18%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually27%
- More than half the time23%
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time31%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important15%
- Very important20%
- Important48%
- Not important at all15%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important24%
- Very important27%
- Important16%
- Not important at all26%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)41%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)22%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)18%
- I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)14%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week31%
- Never29%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious24%
- Very serious12%
- Serious14%
- Fairly serious21%
- Not serious at all29%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never28%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day33%
- Never48%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive19%
- Moderately competitive27%
- Slightly competitive24%
- Not at all competitive27%
Conflict Situations
- Every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never34%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Never42%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Continually or almost continually17%
- About half the time20%
- Less than half the time51%
- Never13%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day23%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Never53%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Very important17%
- Important11%
- Fairly important16%
- Not important at all46%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated17%
- Slightly automated48%
- Not at all automated24%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never60%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day14%
- Never69%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time24%
- Never59%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Never74%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Never67%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never70%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day15%
- Never84%
E-Mail
- Never84%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never73%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never77%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Never77%
Spend Time Sitting
- Less than half the time17%
- Never75%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time26%
- Never73%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never86%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never94%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)91%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never97%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never96%

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.

Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD, Computer aided design and drafting CADD software, Dassault Systemes CATIA, Vero Software ALPHACAM
Video creation and editing software
YouTube
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop
Operating system software
Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat
Desktop publishing software
Adobe InDesign
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Object or component oriented development software
Oracle Java
Time accounting software
Timekeeping software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
AS/400 Database
Inventory management software
Inventory control software
Industrial control software
Computerized numerical control CNC 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.

Operate woodworking equipment.
Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Conduct test runs of production equipment.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.
Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
Inspect lumber or raw woodstock.
Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
Determine production equipment settings.
Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
Select production input materials.
Maneuver workpieces in equipment during production.
Select production equipment according to product specifications.

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Load materials into production equipment.
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.
Replace worn equipment components.
Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
Stack finished items for further processing or shipment.
Inspect production equipment.
Clean production equipment.
Clean work areas.
Maintain production or processing equipment.
Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
Trim excess material from workpieces.
Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
Program equipment to perform production tasks.
Lubricate production equipment.
Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Machine Setter (Woodwork)
Wood Turning Lathe Operator
Woodworking Manufacturing Specialist (Cbof)

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