Woodworking, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Woodworking, Other.: The DTI for this program is 59.8%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Woodworking, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $30324) to the average debt ($18142) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Woodworking, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 59.8%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Woodworking, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($30324) against the typical student debt ($18142), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Considering Woodworking, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $30324, and with an average student debt of $18142, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.6—pretty reasonable for most students.
With more than 587 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Woodworking, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Woodworking, Other (CIP 48.0799) is a skilled trades and manufacturing field focused on designing, shaping, assembling, and finishing wood products using both traditional craftsmanship and modern production techniques. This classification includes specialized, hybrid, or emerging woodworking programs that do not fit neatly into cabinetmaking, millwork, or carpentry alone. Woodworking professionals create functional and decorative products that range from custom furniture and architectural elements to specialty components used in construction, manufacturing, and design.
For a degree search site, Woodworking, Other represents craftsmanship, creativity, and practical independence. Wood remains one of the most versatile and enduring materials in the built environment, and skilled woodworkers are valued for their ability to combine precision, aesthetics, and structural integrity. This degree appeals to students who want a hands-on, skill-driven career that blends creativity with technical mastery and offers pathways to specialization, self-employment, or advanced manufacturing roles.
What Is a Woodworking Degree?
A Woodworking, Other degree or certificate is a workforce-focused program that prepares students to work with wood and wood-based materials in specialized or non-traditional contexts. Programs under the “Other” designation often combine elements of furniture making, millwork, finishing, fabrication, and production methods that go beyond standard carpentry or cabinetmaking tracks.
This degree typically focuses on:
- Wood material properties and selection
- Cutting, shaping, and joining techniques
- Precision measurement and layout
- Surface preparation and finishing
- Tool, machine, and shop safety practices
Community colleges, technical institutes, art schools, and specialized trade programs offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for entry-level and specialized woodworking roles
- Support careers in custom fabrication and small-scale manufacturing
- Preserve high-quality craftsmanship standards
- Train workers for modern and hybrid woodworking applications
Woodworking programs emphasize hands-on practice, creativity, and attention to detail.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how to transform raw lumber and engineered wood products into finished pieces that meet functional, structural, and aesthetic requirements. You’ll study how wood behaves under stress, how moisture and grain affect stability, and how to work accurately with natural materials.
The curriculum emphasizes practical skill development. Students spend significant time in workshops learning to measure, cut, join, sand, and finish wood products using both hand tools and machinery. Because woodworking requires precision and patience, programs stress planning, sequencing, and quality control at every stage of production.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Wood material selection and preparation—solid wood and composites
- Measurement, layout, and precision cutting—accuracy and fit
- Joinery and assembly techniques—strength and alignment
- Use of hand and power tools—saws, routers, sanders, planers
- Machine operation—table saws, jointers, CNC awareness
- Surface preparation and finishing—staining, sealing, coating
- Blueprints, drawings, and shop plans—interpreting designs
- Shop safety and workflow management—safe production practices
These skills are essential for producing high-quality, durable wood products.
Topics You May Explore
Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies by program but often includes:
- Introduction to Woodworking: tools, materials, and safety
- Wood Science and Material Properties: grain, moisture, movement
- Hand Tool and Power Tool Techniques: cutting and shaping
- Joinery Methods: traditional and modern joints
- Furniture or Product Fabrication: design-to-build process
- Wood Finishing and Surface Treatments: protection and aesthetics
- Shop Math and Measurement: accuracy and layout
- Production Methods and Workflow: efficiency and quality
- Applied Woodworking Project or Capstone: real-world fabrication
Programs often allow students to focus on custom, artistic, or production-oriented woodworking.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Woodworking, Other degree prepares students for hands-on roles in fabrication, production, and custom design. Advancement is based on skill, creativity, and experience.
Common career paths include:
- Woodworker or Fabricator: custom or production environments
- Furniture Maker or Builder: handcrafted or small-batch pieces
- Millwork or Finish Wood Technician: architectural components
- Shop Technician or Production Worker: manufacturing support
- Prototype or Custom Fabrication Specialist: one-off designs
- Restoration or Repair Woodworker: furniture and fixtures
- Self-Employed Woodworker or Craftsperson: independent business
Skilled woodworkers often develop niche specialties that command premium rates.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in settings where wood products are designed, built, or restored:
- Custom woodworking and furniture shops
- Cabinet, millwork, and finish shops
- Manufacturing and production facilities
- Construction and remodeling companies
- Design studios and fabrication labs
- Restoration and preservation workshops
- Self-employed or small craft businesses
Woodworking skills are valuable across creative, residential, and commercial markets.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by specialization, location, and experience.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level woodworking roles: often $35,000–$50,000
- Experienced woodworkers or fabricators: commonly $50,000–$75,000
- Highly skilled specialists or business owners: can reach $80,000–$110,000+
Custom work, artistic specialization, and self-employment can significantly increase income.
Is This Degree Hard?
Woodworking, Other is considered moderately demanding and detail-intensive. Academically, coursework is accessible, but success requires patience, precision, and physical coordination. Students must be comfortable with repetitive tasks, fine measurements, and learning from mistakes.
The challenge lies in mastering technique and consistency rather than theoretical complexity.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy working with your hands and tools
- Have an eye for detail and design
- Like creating tangible, functional objects
- Want a skill-based career with creative freedom
- Are interested in custom work or self-employment
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a woodworking program:
- Take math, geometry, shop, or construction courses
- Develop strong measurement, spatial reasoning, and planning skills
- Learn basic tool use and shop safety practices
- Participate in woodworking, art, or maker programs if available
- Practice patience, accuracy, and craftsmanship
Woodworking, Other (CIP 48.0799) is a versatile and enduring skilled trade for students who want to combine creativity with technical ability. It offers practical skills, flexible career paths, and opportunities to create lasting, meaningful work. For those drawn to craftsmanship, design, and hands-on problem-solving, this degree provides a solid foundation for a rewarding and adaptable career in woodworking and fabrication.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor