Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Career: Everything You Need To Know In One Min (2024)

Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Career: Everything You Need To Know In One Min (1)

Cabinetmakers And Bench Carpenters

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.

Salary

$38900

Becoming One

Easy

Education

No degree required

Job Satisfaction

Low

Job Growth

Average

Personality

The Builder

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Career: Everything You Need To Know In One Min (2) Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Career: Everything You Need To Know In One Min (3) Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Career: Everything You Need To Know In One Min (4)

Interest Match

Math

Overview

Salary

Requirements

Quiz

Table of contents
  1. What they do
  2. What is the job like
  3. How much do they make
  4. Where can they work
  5. What is the work day like
  6. What is the work environment like
  7. How to become one
  8. Should you become one

What they do

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.

  • 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.

Typical day

On a daily basis, Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpentersestablish 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.Theytrim, sand, or scrape surfaces or joints to prepare articles for finishing.

A typical day for a Cabinetmaker and Bench Carpenter will also include:

  • Attach parts or subassemblies together to form completed units, using glue, dowels, nails, screws, or clamps.
  • Match materials for color, grain, or texture, giving attention to knots or other features of the wood.
  • 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.
  • Set up or operate machines, including power saws, jointers, mortisers, tenoners, molders, or shapers, to cut, mold, or shape Woodstock or wood substitutes.
  • Estimate the amounts, types, or costs of needed materials.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters also program computers to operate machinery. They may also design furniture, using computer-aided drawing programs.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpentersdraw up detailed specifications and discuss projects with customers.They might alsoinstall hardware, such as hinges, handles, catches, or drawer pulls, using hand tools.

In addition, theyperform final touch-ups with sandpaper or steel wool.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them boreholes for insertion of screws or dowels, by hand or using boring machines.

To some Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters, it is also their responsibility torepair or alter wooden furniture, cabinetry, fixtures, paneling, or other pieces.

What is the job like

Job satisfaction

Low

Is this job meaningful

Low

59% said they were satisfied with their job and 37% said they found their job meaningful.

Jeremy Boulanger

Boulanger Construction

Our typical day falls into one of two categories: Project Construction and Project Installation. Either day usually begins with a brief meeting to discuss the goals and components involved in that day’s work and any particular problems or constraints that may be encountered throughout the day. One of the greatest aspects of a creative trade … Read More

Sunny Wood

A Cabinetmaker carpenter and a Benchmaker carpenter are very similar to each other. You can say both professionals are the same. So, the person who cut, shape, and assemble wooden articles and setting up by using or applying woodworking machines (e.g. power saw, wood grill machine, nail gun, jointer, and mortises to surface) and hand … Read More

Nick Zargari

Marquis Fine Cabinetry

My name is Nick Zargari and I am the owner of Marquis Fine Cabinetry, a custom cabinetry manufacturer along the Emerald Coast. Since Marquis has been in business for a little over 25 years, we have our daily routine down pretty well. We have a project manager assigned to each day and any leads that … Read More

Pros

Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.

Suitable for people who value relationships between co-workers and customers and want to work in a friendly non-competitive environment.

It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required to get started.

Demand for this career is growing.

Cons

Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.

One of the lowest paying jobs.

How much do they make

Average salary

$38900 per year

Average hourly wage

$19 per hour

Entry-level Cabinetmakers And Bench Carpenters with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $25,310 to $29,530 per year or $12 to $14 per hour.

Salary by experienceAnnualHourly
Highest (Top 10%)$57,460$28
Senior (Top 25%)$46,500$22
Median$36,710$18
Junior (Bottom 25%)$29,530$14
No experience (Bottom 10%)$25,310$12

This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Cabinetmakers And Bench Carpenters based on their average annual salary.

Salary by industryAnnualHourly
Federal Executive Branch$56790$27.30
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing$52830$25.40
Local Government$50950$24.49
Elementary and Secondary Schools$49990$24.03
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools$48040$23.10
Building Material and Supplies Dealers$46270$22.25
Specialized Design Services$46170$22.20
Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers$45930$22.08
Warehousing and Storage$45520$21.89
Home Furnishings Stores$44560$21.42

View more salary by industries here.

Where can they work

Where can Cabinetmakers And Bench Carpenters work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Cabinetmakers And Bench Carpenters including the average salary in that industry.

EmployersTotal EmployedAnnual SalaryHourly Wages
Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing63270$38480$18.50
Other Wood Product Manufacturing9900$36980$17.78
Building Finishing Contractors6620$41620$20.01
Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing2320$38890$18.70
Residential Building Construction1780$44310$21.30
Employment Services1420$35800$17.21
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods1050$34770$16.72
Veneer, Plywood, and Engineered Wood Product Manufacturing450$32280$15.52
Nonresidential Building Construction440$41800$20.10
Furniture Stores400$40500$19.47

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Career: Everything You Need To Know In One Min (8)

What is the work day like

Working hours

Less than 40 hours

10%

40 hours

51%

More than 40 hours

39%

Working schedule

Regular

57%

Irregular

43%

Seasonal

0%

Email

How often do you use email in this job?

Once a week

0%

Every day

0%

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Once a week

9%

Every day

36%

Group discussions

How often do you have group discussions in this job?

Once a week

5%

Every day

91%

Public speaking

How often does this job require you to do public speaking?

Never

82%

Once a year

15%

Once a month

1%

Once a week

0%

Every day

1%

Level of competition

How much competitive pressure is in this job?

Not competitive at all

19%

Slightly competitive

12%

Moderately competitive

29%

Highly competitive

26%

Extremely competitive

13%

Freedom to make decisions

How much decision making freedom does this job offer?

No freedom

3%

Very little freedom

15%

Limited freedom

Some freedom

51%

A lot of freedom

17%

Structured vs unstructured work

To what extent is this job structured for you versus allowing you to determine your own tasks, priorities, and goals?

No freedom

4%

Very little freedom

0%

Limited freedom

50%

Some freedom

29%

A lot of freedom

18%

Repetition in this job

How important is repeating the same type of task over and over in this job?

Not important at all

19%

Fairly important

10%

Important

57%

Very Important

12%

Extremely Important

1%

Work with group or team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Not important at all

3%

Fairly important

13%

Important

26%

Very important

9%

Extremely important

48%

Deal with external customers

How important is it to work with customers in this job?

Not important at all

25%

Fairly important

8%

Important

26%

Very important

0%

Extremely important

41%

Manage or lead others

How important is it to coordinate or lead others in completing work activities in this job?

Not important at all

4%

Fairly important

17%

Important

33%

Very important

28%

Extremely important

18%

Frequency of conflict situations

How often are there conflict situations in this job?

Never

25%

Once a year

35%

Once a month

27%

Once a week

12%

Every day

0%

Dealing with angry people

How often do you have to deal with angry, unpleasant, or discourteous individuals in this job?

Never

29%

Once a year

10%

Once a month

14%

Once a week

1%

Every day

46%

Dealing with physically aggressive people

How often do you have to deal with physically aggressive people in this job?

Never

100%

Once a year

0%

Once a month

0%

Once a week

0%

Every day

0%

Impact of decisions on co-workers or company results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the reputation or financial resources of your employer?

No impact

7%

Minor impact

7%

Moderate impact

18%

Important impact

38%

Very important impact

30%

Frequency of decision making

How frequently do you have to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the reputation of the company?

Never

22%

Once a year

4%

Once a month

1%

Once a week

38%

Every day

35%

Responsibility for others’ health and safety

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

No responsibility

13%

Limited responsibility

13%

Moderate responsibility

27%

High responsibility

16%

Very high responsibility

31%

Responsibility for outcomes and results

How much responsibility is there for the work outcomes and results of other workers?

No responsibility

33%

Limited responsibility

19%

Moderate responsibility

26%

High responsibility

8%

Very high responsibility

13%

What is the work environment like

Office-style environment

Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Career: Everything You Need To Know In One Min (9)

Never

35%

Once a year or more

25%

Once a month or more

5%

Once a week or more

24%

Every day

12%

Warehouse-style environment

Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Career: Everything You Need To Know In One Min (10)

Never

7%

Once a year or more

0%

Once a month or more

0%

Once a week or more

31%

Every day

63%

Outdoors

Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Career: Everything You Need To Know In One Min (11)

Never

75%

Once a year or more

0%

Once a month or more

1%

Once a week or more

12%

Every day

12%

Outdoors – Under Cover

Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Career: Everything You Need To Know In One Min (12)

Never

75%

Once a year or more

0%

Once a month or more

13%

Once a week or more

0%

Every day

12%

How to become one

Difficulty to become one

Easy

You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience. Most careers in this difficulty category usually don’t require a degree. However, you will need a few months of on-the-job training with experienced employees. Similar careers include Customer Service Representatives, Security Guards, and Bank Tellers.

Required level of education

What level of education do you need to perform the job?

Less than a High School Diploma

11%

High School Diploma or equivalent

62%

Post-Secondary Certificate

27%

Some College Courses

0%

Associate’s Degree or similar

0%

Bachelor’s Degree

0%

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

0%

Master’s Degree

0%

Post-Master’s Certificate

0%

First Professional Degree

0%

Doctoral Degree

0%

Post-Doctoral Training

0%

Relevant majors

Cabinetmaking and Millwork

A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to set up, operate and repair industrial woodworking machinery, and to use such machinery to design and fabricate wooden components and complete articles.

Relevant work experience

How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?

None

0%

1 month

4%

1 to 3 months

0%

3 to 6 months

26%

6 months to 1 year

6%

1 to 2 years

9%

2 to 4 years

32%

4 to 6 years

0%

6 to 8 years

1%

8 to 10 years

0%

Over 10 years

22%

On The Job Training

How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?

None or short demonstration

4%

1 month

0%

1 to 3 months

33%

3 to 6 months

25%

6 months to 1 year

22%

1 to 2 years

9%

2 to 4 years

6%

4 to 10 years

1%

Over 10 years

0%

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

The Builder Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Career: Everything You Need To Know In One Min (13) Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Career: Everything You Need To Know In One Min (14) Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Career: Everything You Need To Know In One Min (15)

People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

The Builder

100%

People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

The Thinker

14%

People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.

The Artist

29%

People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.

The Helper

14%

People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.

The Leader

29%

People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.

The Organizer

38%

People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.

Work Values

Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?

Achievement

48%

You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.

Working Conditions

45%

You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.

Recognition

38%

You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.

Relationships

62%

You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.

Support

52%

You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.

Independence

48%

You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.

FAQ

Explore Other Careers

Hand Packers and Packagers

Machine Feeders and Offbearers

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators And Tenders

Tire Builders

Manufacturing Potters

Molding And Casting Workers

Glass Blowers

Manufacturing Stone Cutters And Carvers

Don’t know which career to pursue?

Take the career quiz to find careers that match your personality type.

Take The Career Quiz

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Career: Everything You Need To Know In One Min (24)

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Career: Everything You Need To Know In One Min (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lilliana Bartoletti

Last Updated:

Views: 5525

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lilliana Bartoletti

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 58866 Tricia Spurs, North Melvinberg, HI 91346-3774

Phone: +50616620367928

Job: Real-Estate Liaison

Hobby: Graffiti, Astronomy, Handball, Magic, Origami, Fashion, Foreign language learning

Introduction: My name is Lilliana Bartoletti, I am a adventurous, pleasant, shiny, beautiful, handsome, zealous, tasty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.