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Apprentice Woodworker Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Woodworker information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$18

$25

How much do apprentice woodworker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice woodworker in Tennessee is $18.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice woodworker?

Apprentice woodworkers are individuals who are learning the skills and techniques needed to become professional woodworkers through hands-on training and mentorship. They typically work under the supervision of experienced woodworkers or carpenters, assisting with tasks such as measuring, cutting, shaping, and assembling wood products. Apprenticeships allow them to gain practical experience, improve their craftsmanship, and understand safety procedures while often earning a wage. Over time, apprentice woodworkers gradually take on more complex projects as their skills develop. Completing an apprenticeship can lead to certification and better job opportunities in the woodworking industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice woodworker?

To thrive as an Apprentice Woodworker, you need a basic understanding of woodworking techniques, hand tool use, and safety procedures, often gained through a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with woodworking machinery, measurement tools, and reading blueprints is typically required, along with adherence to industry safety standards. Strong attention to detail, eagerness to learn, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure quality craftsmanship, safe work practices, and steady skill development within a workshop environment.

What are some common challenges apprentice woodworkers face when starting out, and how can they overcome them?

Apprentice Woodworkers often encounter challenges such as mastering the use of various hand and power tools, understanding different wood types, and maintaining safety standards in the workshop. Adjusting to the physical demands of the job and working with precise measurements can also be difficult at first. To overcome these hurdles, apprentices should seek feedback from experienced colleagues, actively participate in hands-on training, and consistently follow safety protocols. Building a habit of careful planning and double-checking measurements will also help improve confidence and craftsmanship over time.

What is the difference between Apprentice Woodworker vs Journeyman Woodworker?

AspectApprentice WoodworkerJourneyman Woodworker
CredentialsOn-the-job training, no formal certification requiredCompleted apprenticeship, often certified
Work EnvironmentLearning phase, supervised tasksIndependent work, skilled craftsmanship
Experience LevelEntry-level, beginnerSkilled, experienced worker
Employer & Industry UsageTraining programs, apprenticeships in woodworking shopsEstablished woodworking shops, custom carpentry

The main difference between an Apprentice Woodworker and a Journeyman Woodworker is experience and skill level. Apprentices are in training, learning basic skills under supervision, while Journeymen have completed their apprenticeship and can work independently with advanced skills. This progression reflects increased responsibility, expertise, and independence in woodworking tasks.

How to become an apprentice woodworker with no experience?

To become an apprentice woodworker with no experience, seek entry-level positions or internships at woodworking shops or furniture makers. Developing basic skills in hand tools, safety procedures, and understanding woodworking techniques can improve your chances; some programs may require a high school diploma or equivalent. Gaining hands-on experience and demonstrating a willingness to learn are key steps in starting an apprenticeship in woodworking.

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Woodworker jobs in Tennessee?

For Apprentice Woodworker jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Woodworker jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Woodworker jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Woodworker job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,335 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Role: Custodian
Salary: Based on Classified Pay Schedule and experience.

Summary: Under the direct supervision of the Principal, Custodian Supervisor, Facilities Director, and Chief of Operations, performs general cleaning and maintenance in school buildings and grounds; maintains equipment in functional condition; and provides cleaning and custodial assistance to students, teachers, visitors and others as necessary. Perform related duties and general maintenance work as required.

Education/Experiences:

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance.
Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

  • High School Diploma or completion of related experience to successfully perform the duties of the position.
  • Previous experience in building and cleaning maintenance desirable.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Checks and secures building at beginning and end of shift for the purpose of ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the building.
  • Cleans rooms, hallways, cafeterias, restrooms, offices, stairways, and other areas of building according to school district standards.
  • Sweeps, mops, buffs, strips, and waxes floors.
  • Cleans rugs, carpets, upholstered furniture, and blinds.
  • Washes walls, ceilings, woodwork, windows, doors, and sills.
  • Removes graffiti, cleans glass areas.
  • Replaces light bulbs.
  • Sets up and breaks down chairs, tables and equipment in meeting rooms, and functional rooms.
  • Clears snow from entrances and walks, and spreads sand and ice melting chemicals.
  • Performs grounds-keeping duties, clears debris and maintains grounds.
  • Receives deliveries and assists in unloading trucks and storing supplies.
  • Delivers supplies and materials to classrooms, bathrooms and other areas of the building.
  • Empties wastebaskets; picks up and removes trash and assists in recycling program.
  • Performs general cleaning, and repair work, particularly during school vacations.
  • Assists parents and other visitors to school buildings with special events and programs.
  • Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Note:  The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment




Uses hand tools of trade and related power equipment, including brooms, mops, floor cleaning and waxing machines, vacuum cleaners, snow blowers, shovels, power mower and hand tools.
Safety Requirements

  • Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper use of tools and power equipment used in the performance of duties.
  • Wears appropriate safety gear, including masks.
  • Must comply with school district's chemical hygiene program and follow MSDS sheets.


Travel Requirements
Occasional travel between schools, or between schools and central office, may be required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities



  • Ability to follow oral or written work orders from supervisor, and to coordinate work with principal and others.
  • Ability to read, write and speak English fluently.
  • Ability to describe orally or in writing cleaning, maintenance or repair problems as needed.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide all units of measure.
  • Ability to work in poor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, or snow.
  • Ability to work above ground from ladders and automatic lifts.
  • Ability to perform work according to standard procedures and schedule set forth by supervisor(s).

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
This job may require lifting of objects that exceed 50lbs, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of 
objects weighing up to 25lbs. Other physical demands that may be required are as follows:

  • Works in standard office and school building environments.
  • Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions.
  • Exposure to cleaning chemicals, solvents and contaminated trash, grasses, pollens, etc.
  • Lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling
  • Climbing and/or balancing
  • Stooping, kneeling, and/or crawling
  • Reaching
  • Seeing

Vocational Preparation:
The required vocational preparation may come from any of the following:

  • Vocational education
  • Apprentice training
  • On-the-job training
  • Essential experience in other jobs

TEMPERAMENT (Personal Traits):

  • Adaptability to performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure.
  • Adaptability to making generalizations, evaluations, or decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria.
  • Adaptability to dealing with students.
  • Adaptability to making generalizations, evaluations, or decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria.


Capacity and Ability Requirements:
Specific capacities and abilities may be required of an individual in order to learn or perform adequately a task or job duty.

  • Intelligence: The ability to understand instructions and underlying principles.  Ability to reason and make judgments.
  • Verbal: Ability to understand meanings of words and ideas associated with them.
  • Manual Dexterity: Ability to move the hands easily and skillfully.
  • Form Perception: To make visual comparisons and discriminations and see slight differences in shapes and shadings of figures.
  • Color Discrimination: Ability to perceive or recognize similarities or differences in colors or shades or other values of the same color.

Work Conditions:
 Normal working environment.
General Requirements:
 The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of  work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so assigned.