Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters fall under the Production category in the U.S. occupational classification. Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters earn a median salary of $46,020 per year, ranking in the top 75% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects -1.6% job growth through 2034, projected to lose jobs through 2034. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do cabinetmakers and bench carpenters earn?

The median annual wage for cabinetmakers and bench carpenters is $46,020. That puts cabinetmakers and bench carpenters at #606 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is cabinetmakers and bench carpenters a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for cabinetmakers and bench carpenters is -1.6%, projected to lose jobs through 2034. Employment is projected to move from approximately 86K positions in 2024 to 84K in 2034, a net change of -2K. A declining outlook does not mean the field is disappearing; it means automation, demographics, or substitution effects are shrinking the pool of openings. Students entering a declining field should plan for adjacent skills that transfer to growing roles.

What do cabinetmakers and bench carpenters do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working cabinetmakers and bench carpenters, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Produce or assemble components of articles, such as store fixtures, office equipment, cabinets, or high-grade furniture.
2. 2.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.
3. 3.Measure and mark dimensions of parts on paper or lumber stock prior to cutting, following blueprints, to ensure a tight fit and quality product.
4. 4.Reinforce joints with nails or other fasteners to prepare articles for finishing.
5. 5.Install hardware, such as hinges, handles, catches, or drawer pulls, using hand tools.
6. 6.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.
7. 7.Bore holes for insertion of screws or dowels, by hand or using boring machines.
8. 8.Repair or alter wooden furniture, cabinetry, fixtures, paneling, or other pieces.

Top skills for cabinetmakers and bench carpenters

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become cabinetmakers and bench carpenter?

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

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Common questions parents ask about cabinetmakers and bench carpenters