Furniture Finishers
Furniture finishers shape, finish, and refinish furniture to meet specified color and finish standards. They work on damaged or worn pieces as well as new high-grade furniture, using techniques like sanding, staining, and applying protective coatings. Most work in furniture manufacturing plants, refinishing shops, or woodworking facilities.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against furniture finishers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A furniture finisher typically starts by inspecting pieces for damage or wear, then sands surfaces to prepare them for finishing. Throughout the day, they apply stains, paints, or other coatings using brushes, sprayers, or other tools, often allowing time between coats for drying. They may blend colors to match specifications, repair minor imperfections, and ensure the final finish meets quality standards before pieces move to the next stage.
Who this work suits
Holland code RAC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy working with your hands to transform materials and see concrete results. If you have an eye for color and detail, appreciate craftsmanship, and prefer practical work over desk tasks, this career can be a good fit.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $49,280 | $59,830 | $62,770 | 90 |
| Massachusetts | $49,990 | $56,300 | $62,240 | 340 |
| New Hampshire | $37,820 | $56,050 | $60,300 | 30 |
| Colorado | $42,430 | $50,000 | $59,060 | 170 |
| California | $43,130 | $49,080 | $59,140 | 1,010 |
| Minnesota | $47,140 | $48,640 | $56,890 | 340 |
| New York | $41,600 | $48,340 | $57,720 | 1,000 |
| Illinois | $38,300 | $47,600 | $51,110 | 170 |
| Pennsylvania | $40,590 | $47,450 | $55,310 | 790 |
| Vermont | $45,090 | $47,280 | $50,440 | 30 |
| Nevada | $40,640 | $46,980 | $49,590 | 190 |
| Iowa | $45,810 | $46,530 | $49,790 | 70 |
All 43 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against furniture finishers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-7021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.