What Does it Take to Be a Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter?

Example of Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter Job Cut, shape, and assemble wooden articles or set up and operate a variety of woodworking machines, such as power saws, jointers, and mortisers to surface, cut, or shape lumber or to fabricate parts for wood products.

A Day in the Life of a Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter

• Draw up detailed specifications and discuss projects with customers.
• Verify dimensions or check the quality or fit of pieces to ensure adherence to specifications.
• Measure and mark dimensions of parts on paper or lumber stock prior to cutting, following blueprints, to ensure a tight fit and quality product.
• Program computers to operate machinery.
• Design furniture, using computer-aided drawing programs.
• Cut timber to the right size and shape and trim parts of joints to ensure a snug fit, using hand tools, such as planes, chisels, or wood files.

Qualities of a Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Related Job Titles for this Occupation:

• Cabinetmaker
• Hat Block Maker
• Wood Machinist
• Woodworker
• Guitar Maker

Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter Job Outlook

There were about 109,300 jobs for Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 2.3% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,500 new jobs for Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter by 2026. The BLS estimates 11,500 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter are Utah, Nevada, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, New Mexico, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter Salary

The average yearly salary of a Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter ranges between $22,830 and $54,140.

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters who work in Hawaii, Rhode Island, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.

How much do Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters make in each U.S. state?

State	Annual Mean Salary
Alabama	$29,610
Alaska	$46,270
Arizona	$38,370
Arkansas	$29,650
California	$37,520
Colorado	$36,840
Connecticut	$46,210
Delaware	$45,300
Florida	$37,420
Georgia	$35,220
Hawaii	$54,100
Idaho	$35,520
Illinois	$40,320
Indiana	$33,990
Iowa	$35,770
Kansas	$31,970
Kentucky	$31,130
Louisiana	$32,130
Maine	$39,690
Maryland	$45,180
Massachusetts	$46,200
Michigan	$38,770
Minnesota	$40,990
Mississippi	$26,610
Missouri	$34,960
Montana	$37,540
Nebraska	$39,620
Nevada	$37,580
New Hampshire	$45,300
New Jersey	$44,270
New Mexico	$32,210
New York	$44,040
North Carolina	$30,520
North Dakota	$37,870
Ohio	$35,580
Oklahoma	$32,630
Oregon	$35,990
Pennsylvania	$39,560
Rhode Island	$45,380
South Carolina	$35,120
South Dakota	$31,700
Tennessee	$31,280
Texas	$31,850
Utah	$35,410
Vermont	$39,730
Virginia	$36,370
Washington	$41,400
West Virginia	$32,630
Wisconsin	$33,410
Wyoming	$41,140

Tools & Technologies Used by Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Data entry software
• Microsoft Windows
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Computer aided design CAD software
• Computerized maintenance management system CMMS

Becoming a Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter

Individuals working as a Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter have obtained the following education levels:

What work experience do I need to become a Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter?

Where Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Sadie Colbert via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.