Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 63,350 woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawings, and they earn a median of $40,440/year. The range runs from $31K to $54K. Washington pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawings start around $31K. The gap between that and the median ($40K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $54K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $50K | 1,430 |
| Oregon | $49K | 2,030 |
| Minnesota | $49K | 720 |
| Montana | $48K | 350 |
| Iowa | $48K | 1,570 |
| Nebraska | $48K | 410 |
| Rhode Island | $48K | 80 |
| Michigan | $46K | 4,810 |
| Louisiana | $46K | 440 |
| New Hampshire | $46K | 520 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing make?▼
The median woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing salary in the United States is $40,440 per year ($19/hour). Entry-level positions start around $30,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $54,340.
What education do you need to become a woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawings?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawings.
What are the highest paying states for woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawings?▼
The highest paying states for woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawings are Washington ($50,170), Oregon ($49,430), Minnesota ($48,920), Montana ($47,940), Iowa ($47,890). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.