Antique Restorer

Also called: Furniture Restorer

Repairs and refinishes antique furniture and objects for private clients and dealers.

A day in the life

They strip and refinish surfaces, regrind missing pieces, and repair veneer. They match old woods and finishes. Most work in small shops.

Pay over a career

Starting

$30k

Typical

$42k

High

$65k

Estimate.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Apprenticeship, about 2 years after high school. Apprenticeship or on-the-job training.

Ways in: Apprenticeship, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.

Majors to look at: Woodworking.

Outlook

Growing slowly. Small niche.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. Repairing and refinishing antique furniture and objects is handwork for private clients.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Woodshop CTE, Chemistry, History.

• Restore a thrift-store piece of furniture
• Work at an antique or consignment shop
• Join SkillsUSA cabinetmaking

Official data: O*NET occupation 51-7011.

More Art Conservation & Restoration careers

• Chief Conservator
• Conservation Scientist
• Architectural Conservator
• Paintings Conservator
• Paper and Book Conservator
• Textile Conservator
• Objects Conservator
• Furniture Conservator
• Film Preservationist
• Archivist
• Historic Preservation Specialist
• Conservation Technician
• Gilder
• Ornamental Plaster Artisan
• Decorative Painter and Faux Finisher
• Photograph Conservator
• Preventive Conservator
• Outdoor Sculpture & Monument Conservator
• Time-Based Media Conservator
• Technical Imaging Specialist (Conservation)
• Musical Instrument Conservator

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.