What is a Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter?
Position Description 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.
Life As a Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter
- Produce or assemble components of articles, such as store fixtures, office equipment, cabinets, or high-grade furniture.
- Measure and mark dimensions of parts on paper or lumber stock prior to cutting, following blueprints, to ensure a tight fit and quality product.
- Install hardware, such as hinges, handles, catches, or drawer pulls, using hand tools.
- Dip, brush, or spray assembled articles with protective or decorative finishes, such as stain, varnish, paint, or lacquer.
- Repair or alter wooden furniture, cabinetry, fixtures, paneling, or other pieces.
- Estimate the amounts, types, or costs of needed materials.
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Skills Needed to be 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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles
- Hat Block Maker
- Boat Oar Maker
- Cabinet Builder
- Wood Ski Maker
- Cabinet 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 11,500 job openings in this field each year.

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 Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters is somewhere 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:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Are Employed

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters work in the following industries:

References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Sadie Colbert via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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