Furniture Manufacturing Workers

Employers

There are approximately 99,700 cabinetmakers and bench carpenters, 18,200 furniture finishers, 25,700 upholsterers, and 60,600 woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders (except sawing) in the United States. Furniture manufacturing workers are employed at a variety of companies, depending on the particular position held. Most industry employees work at furniture manufacturing firms, but some find jobs at repair establishments or restoration shops. Although cabinetmakers and upholsters usually work at such companies, many find a variety of other employment opportunities. Cabinetmakers, for example, are often self-employed, although some work at construction companies or cabinetmaking contracting firms. Upholsterers, on the other hand, may work at textile companies, for interior designers, at large furniture stores, or in the wholesale or retail trade. Like cabinetmakers, upholsterers are commonly self-employed.

Geographically, woodworking production jobs are found mostly in the southern or northwestern United States, near supplies of wood, but furniture makers are more commonly found in the southeast. More than 35 states have furniture-manufacturing plants, with major centers located in Jamestown, New York; Tupelo, Mississippi; Grand Rapids, Michigan; High Point, North Carolina; and Hickory, North Carolina.

Custom shops are located throughout the United States, although most are established near highly populated areas. Similarly, most upholsterers work in big cities, where large populations create the greatest demand for their work. Fifty-three percent are employed in North Carolina, Mississippi, California, Indiana, and Texas.

Starting Out

If you want to work in the furniture manufacturing industry, the most effective way is to apply directly to manufacturing plants, repair firms, or restoration shops. In addition, you should make a habit of scanning your local paper (either online or in print), where employers often place help-wanted ads. Some companies list available positions with local employment agencies, while others post information about openings on job Web sites, in furniture stores, or on the job bulletin boards commonly found at technical or vocational schools, as well as at community colleges.

Aspiring upholsterers or cabinetmakers may be able to find custom shops that are looking for helpers. Most of these specialized outfits hire beginners as general assistants, allowing them to learn a variety of invaluable skills under the guidance of experienced employees. Finally, if you're interested in specializing in a particular area of furniture manufacturing, especially upholstery, you may want to consider an apprenticeship. The Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration can arrange such an apprenticeship for qualified applicants who are at least 16 years old.