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For Educators: Military Resources

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters

Median Salary
43,260
Job Outlook
+5%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

73%

Self-employed

25%

Private not for profit

1%

State and local government

0%

Federal Government

0%

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of woodworkers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 22,000 openings for woodworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$20,250

10%

$43,260

Median

$52,840

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    62%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    26%

  • Less than high school

    11%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Cabinetmaking and Millwork

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Building and Construction
  • Design
  • Mechanical
  • Production and Processing
  • Engineering and Technology

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.