SOC 5442 Textiles, printing and other skilled trades

Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers Salary

Median salary £30,328 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £30,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For furniture makers and other craft woodworkers, £33,078 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -15% versus the national average.

About this role

Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers shape, cut, fit and install timber and wood-based products in construction and manufacturing. They work from technical drawings to create structural elements, fixtures, furniture and architectural features to precise specifications.

Key responsibilities

Measuring, cutting and shaping timber to specifications
Installing doors, windows, stairs, floors and fitted furniture
Reading and interpreting technical drawings and plans
Using hand tools and powered machinery safely
Ensuring work meets building regulations and quality standards

Qualifications and entry routes

Requires completion of an apprenticeship or NVQ Level 2/3 in carpentry and joinery. CSCS card required for construction site work. City & Guilds qualifications are the industry standard.

Career outlook

Consistent demand in construction and renovation. Heritage carpentry and sustainable timber construction offer specialist niches.

Key skills

Timber craftsmanship Technical drawing interpretation Precision measurement Hand and power tool proficiency Spatial awareness

Common industries

Construction
Shopfitting
Furniture manufacturing
Heritage restoration
House building

Data coverage

SOC code 5442

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 10,000

Median Salary

£30,328

Mean Salary

£33,342

Jobs (000s)

10k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £24,013Median: £30,328

P10: --P25: £24kMedian: £30kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£24,013

0-2 years

Mid Level

£24,013

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +45.6%Real growth: +5.5%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 19.5%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£30,328

Full-time Only

£33,078

Full-time premium: +£2,750

Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers salary: common questions

How much do furniture makers and other craft woodworkers earn in the UK?

Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers earn a median of £33,078 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £33,078 a good salary in the UK?

For furniture makers and other craft woodworkers, £33,078 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -15% versus the national average.

What is the starting salary for furniture makers and other craft woodworkers?

Entry-level furniture makers and other craft woodworkers typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £24,013, though this varies by employer and region.

Have furniture makers and other craft woodworkers salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median furniture makers and other craft woodworkers pay has risen from £21,446 to £33,078 — +54% in cash terms, or +12% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.

Is there a gender pay gap for furniture makers and other craft woodworkers?

Male furniture makers and other craft woodworkers earn a median £30,723 and female furniture makers and other craft woodworkers £24,732 — a gap of +20% in 2025.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).