What Do Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter Do?
Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter Definition 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: What Do They Do?
- Establish the specifications of articles to be constructed or repaired or plan the methods or operations for shaping or assembling parts, based on blueprints, drawings, diagrams, or oral or written instructions.
- Trim, sand, or scrape surfaces or joints to prepare articles for finishing.
- 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.
- Design furniture, using computer-aided drawing programs.
- Draw up detailed specifications and discuss projects with customers.
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Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters say are important on the job.
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:
- Inlayer
- Wood Cabinetmaker
- Router Operator
- Woodworker
- Cabinet Professional
Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter Employment Estimates
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.
Do Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Make A Lot Of Money?
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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters in different U.S. states.
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 |
What Tools do Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Use?
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
How do I Become a Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Cabinetmaker or Bench Carpenter?

How many years of work experience do I need?

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