CFChooseField
Production

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
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Median pay

$46,020
Median annual pay for Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-1.6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

8,100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

86,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-1,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Active Listening
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mathematics
  2. 2Building and Construction
  3. 3Production and Processing
  4. 4Mechanical
  5. 5Design
  6. 6Engineering and Technology

Abilities

  1. 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
  2. 2Finger Dexterity
  3. 3Manual Dexterity
  4. 4Near Vision
  5. 5Control Precision
  6. 6Multilimb Coordination

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Artistic
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Achievement Orientation
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Controlling Machines and Processes
  3. 3Handling and Moving Objects
  4. 4Performing General Physical Activities
  5. 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  6. 6Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  3. 3Spend Time Standing
  4. 4Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  5. 5Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  6. 6Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

Representative tasks

  • Verify dimensions or check the quality or fit of pieces to ensure adherence to specifications.
  • 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.
  • Set up or operate machines, including power saws, jointers, mortisers, tenoners, molders, or shapers, to cut, mold, or shape woodstock or wood substitutes.
  • 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.
  • Attach parts or subassemblies together to form completed units, using glue, dowels, nails, screws, or clamps.
  • Reinforce joints with nails or other fasteners to prepare articles for finishing.
  • Install hardware, such as hinges, handles, catches, or drawer pulls, using hand tools.

Software and tools

Autodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyComputer estimation softwareComputerized maintenance management system CMMS

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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