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Apprentice Woodworker Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Woodworker information

See Wisconsin salary details

$13

$20

$27

How much do apprentice woodworker jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice woodworker in Wisconsin is $20.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $23.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Woodworker, and why are they important?

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 are apprentice woodworkers?

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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Woodworker jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Woodworker jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Woodworker jobs in Wisconsin? For Apprentice Woodworker jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Woodworker jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Woodworker jobs in Wisconsin are:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Woodworker job openings in Wisconsin as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,632 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Maintenance Millwright - 2nd Shift

Maintenance Millwright - 2nd Shift

VT Industries, Inc.

Neenah, WI • On-site

$27.25 - $34.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


VT Industries rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 46 rated furniture manufacturers


Job description

POSITION TITLE: Maintenance Millwright
COMPANY: VT Industries
REPORTS TO: Maintenance Manager
LOCATION: Neenah, WI
REVISION DATE: November 25, 2025
Company Overview
VT Industries, Inc., is North America's leading manufacturer of architectural wood doors for commercial and residential applications, the largest post-form laminate countertop manufacturer in the United States, as well as a leading source for butcher block countertops and other architectural wood products. VT is a family-owned company that offers a dynamic work environment and continues to invest in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and processes, as well as growth and development opportunities for its team members. The company's three divisions serve customers from fifteen manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Position Description
Overall Responsibilities:
The Maintenance Millwright is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and installing machinery used in wood door manufacturing. This role supports continuous production by ensuring equipment operates safely and efficiently, including saws, sanders, presses, conveyors, CNC routers, and finishing equipment.
Essential Job Functions
  • Perform preventative maintenance: lubrication, inspections, adjustments, etc.
  • Install, align, dismantle, and move woodworking and production machinery using cranes, rigging, and hand/power tools.
  • Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and sometimes basic electrical issues to discover root cause and implement repair plan
  • Conduct precision alignment and calibration for cutting, shaping and routing machinery
  • Fabricate and weld components or guards as required for repairs or modifications
  • Read blueprints and technical schematics
  • Inspect dust collection, ventilation and vacuum systems to ensure safe and efficient operation
  • Respond to safety issues or emergencies in plant-follow all safety procedures including lockout/tagout, dust explosion prevention and machine guarding standards
  • Maintain accurate maintenance records and update CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) entries in a timely manner
  • Collaborate with production operators and managers about machine problems and taking the necessary actions to address
  • Support and educate technicians during troubleshooting of problems/breakdowns on production equipment making proper repairs as necessary and drive escalation of response as necessary. These repairs and troubleshooting include but are not limited to:
    • Electrical, PLC/Control System, Mechanical, Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Plumbing/Building Services

Position Requirements
Professional Characteristics:
  • Accepts responsibility, holds himself/herself accountable for performance
  • Self-starter, who takes the initiative and possesses a strong work ethic
  • Creative problem solver, visionary, detail-oriented, solutions-focused
  • High aptitude in learning new technology, systems, processes
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Team player throughout the organization

Qualifications:
  • Education: Completion of a millwright apprenticeship or equivalent
  • Experience: 3-5 years of industrial maintenance or millwright experience in manufacturing

  • Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, conveyors, gearboxes, pumps and motors
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints and technical manuals
  • Skilled in welding and machining (MIG/TIG/Stick, lathe, milling machine) is an asset
  • Basic electrical troubleshooting skills (sensors, relays, VFDs)
  • Proficient with precision measurement tools and alignment equipment
  • Strong problem solving skills and ability to work independently or within a team
  • Physically able to lift heavy objects and work in varied industrial environments

Physical Requirements
Tolerance for sitting long periods of time. Possess finger dexterity to write, type, and use a calculator. Maintain adequate vision to view small print and computer terminal. Ability to speak and hear, walk throughout facilities with occasional moderate lifting (50 pounds), stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching with hands and arms required. Ability to travel between multiple facilities as required to perform core job duties. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Ability to climb up or down ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery or erratically moving surfaces. Ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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