Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters cut, shape, and assemble wooden products using hand tools and woodworking machines like power saws, jointers, and mortisers. They work in cabinet shops, furniture factories, and custom woodworking businesses, transforming lumber into finished pieces such as cabinets, doors, and wooden components for larger products.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cabinetmakers and bench carpenters and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves operating woodworking machinery to cut and shape wood pieces according to specifications, then assembling components using glue, nails, or screws. Workers measure and mark materials, set up machines, monitor cuts for accuracy, and sand or finish surfaces. Tasks alternate between machine work and hand assembly, with quality checks throughout the process to ensure parts fit together properly.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCA. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer concrete, hands-on work with measurable results and established procedures. You're detail-oriented, comfortable with machinery, and find satisfaction in following specifications precisely to produce finished products that work correctly.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $44,350 | $60,090 | $61,650 | 60 |
| New York | $48,300 | $58,680 | $71,100 | 2,470 |
| Connecticut | $46,910 | $58,100 | $67,140 | 740 |
| Massachusetts | $46,830 | $58,040 | $64,780 | 1,440 |
| New Hampshire | $47,850 | $57,980 | $63,140 | 190 |
| Vermont | $46,820 | $57,620 | $66,890 | 360 |
| Rhode Island | $49,970 | $52,800 | $60,240 | 80 |
| New Jersey | $44,190 | $51,760 | $71,500 | 790 |
| Illinois | $40,690 | $50,160 | $65,780 | 2,350 |
| Arkansas | $38,590 | $50,070 | $84,680 | 920 |
| Colorado | $44,880 | $49,610 | $61,250 | 1,300 |
| Maryland | $39,080 | $49,180 | $59,060 | 610 |
All 49 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Industrial Carpenter — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Industrial Carpenter — National Center for Construction Education and Research
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cabinetmakers and bench carpenters and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-7011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.