Wood machinist | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Wood machinists cut and prepare timber for use in wood products.

  • Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or vernier calipers.  
  • Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.  
  • Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.  
  • Align and secure holding fixtures,
Read more about Wood machinist

Wood machinists typically work around 41 to 43 hours per week.

As a Wood machinist you will typically work evenings / weekends.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely
  • Read more about Wood machinist
    * from ONETonline
    Average salary
    25,016 GBP *
    per year
    16,000 GBP
    28,000 GBP
    Starting
    5+ Experience
    * data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
    Average salary for Wood machinist
    • 25,246 GBP
    Average salary for part-time Wood machinist
    Average salary for full-time Wood machinist

    Showing:
    • 10,574 GBP
    • 25,016 GBP
    • 25,246 GBP
    Salary over time for Wood machinist

    Salary for this role has increased over time
    • 21,490 GBP
    • 21,118 GBP
    • 21,433 GBP
    • 21,122 GBP
    • 23,258 GBP
    • 23,729 GBP
    • 25,016 GBP
    • 24,443 GBP
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    Future outlook for Wood machinists

    pointer
    Balanced outlook
    15 000+ jobs available
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    Balanced outlook
    2% yearly wage growth (on average)
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    Fair outlook
    63% chance of automation in the future

    Wood machinist - Your future job?


    Which qualifications do I need?

    Find out what you need to know in order to become a Wood machinist and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

    In terms of people already doing this job:

    • 50% of people in this role have a post-secondary qualification such as a Higher National Diploma
    • 34% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
    • 5% of people in this role have a Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent

    You can take a college course that would teach you some of the skills needed. Relevant courses include:

    • Level 1 Certificate in Basic Construction Skills
    • Level 1 Diploma In Carpentry and Joinery
    • Level 2 Diploma in Wood Machining

    Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Wood machinist

    Carpentry

    What soft skills do I need?

    Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Wood machinist.
    Operation Monitoring Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly
    Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
    Operation and Control Controlling operations of equipment or systems
    Active Listening 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
    Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions

    What technical skills do I need?

    Technical skills are programmes, softwares and things you need to know in order to be a successful Wood machinist. Check that you know:
    1
    Analytical or scientific software Armchair Machinist software; CNC Consulting Machinists' Calculator; Kentech Kipware Trig Kalculator
    2
    Computer aided design CAD software
    3
    Computer aided manufacturing CAM software Autodesk Fusion 360; CNC Mastercam; GRZ Software MeshCAM; OneCNC CAD/CAM
    4
    Enterprise resource planning ERP software
    5
    Industrial control software EditCNC; Mazak Mazatrol SMART CNC
    Improve your skills today

    Carpentry

    Things to highlight for your Wood machinist interview

    Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Independence Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. Initiative Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

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