Where a frame maker can go next
5 destinations recorded, ranked by how much of the target role a frame maker already meets. The closer to the top of Table 1, the less there is to learn.
Frame makers build frames, mostly out of wood, for pictures and mirrors. They discuss the specifications with customers and build or adjust the frame accordingly. They cut, shape and join the wooden elements and treat them to obtain the desired colour and protect them from corrosion and fire. They cut and fit the glass into the frame. In some cases, they carve and decorate the frames. They may also repair, restore or reproduce older or antique frames.
Also known as picture framemaker, mirror frame maker, frame repairer, mirror framer, frame-making machine setter, frame producer, picture frame restorer, frame restorer, frames creator, mirror framemaker, mirror frame restorer, frames producer.
Craft and related trades workers 34 skills on file 5 career moves 0 above 60% overlap Closest: antique furniture reproducer, 60%
- 70% and above · short step
- 50 to 70% · real move
- Below 50% · substantial retraining
Table 2 · A bigger jump
Possible, but expect real retraining rather than a sideways step.
Table 3 · What the job itself asks for
A frame maker needs 13 required skills and areas of knowledge. These 10 are the ones fewest other jobs share, so they say the most about the work.
- build picture frames handling and moving
- match frames to pictures communication, collaboration and creativity
- create wood joints handling and moving
- cut glass handling and moving
- apply wood finishes constructing
- organic building materials engineering, manufacturing and construction
- manipulate glass handling and moving
- operate wood sawing equipment working with machinery and specialised equipment
- create smooth wood surface handling and moving
- sand wood handling and moving
Table 4 · Jobs that lead here
The reverse view: occupations whose skills already cover much of what a frame maker does. The figure is how much of this job each one brings.
- antique furniture reproducer 69% covered · difficulty 35.6
- cabinet maker 58% covered · difficulty 45
- furniture restorer 54% covered · difficulty 48.9
- furniture finisher 50% covered · difficulty 51
- wicker furniture maker 45% covered · difficulty 55.4
- woodcarver 38% covered · difficulty 61.3
- recreation model maker 38% covered · difficulty 62.3
- furniture assembler 37% covered · difficulty 63
- furniture upholsterer 34% covered · difficulty 64.6
- upholsterer 34% covered · difficulty 64.6
Look up another occupation
Frame maker is filed under Craft and related trades workers, ISCO major group 7. The full index lists all ten groups.
How these figures were compiled
Overlap is how much of the target role is already part of a frame maker’s work. It is directional: the figure for the reverse move differs. Every entry above opens the full comparison for that move: what carries over, what is missing, and where to start. The full method.