Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
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 Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $25K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $29K
Median Salary: $36K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $46K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $57K
Demand
Core Tasks
Produce or assemble components of articles, such as store fixtures, office equipment, cabinets, or high-grade furniture.
Verify dimensions or check the quality or fit of pieces to ensure adherence to specifications.
Measure and mark dimensions of parts on paper or lumber stock prior to cutting, following blueprints, to ensure a tight fit and quality product.
Attach parts or subassemblies together to form completed units, using glue, dowels, nails, screws, or clamps.
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.
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.
Reinforce joints with nails or other fasteners to prepare articles for finishing.
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.
Install hardware, such as hinges, handles, catches, or drawer pulls, using hand tools.
Match materials for color, grain, or texture, giving attention to knots or other features of the wood.
Trim, sand, or scrape surfaces or joints to prepare articles for finishing.
Bore holes for insertion of screws or dowels, by hand or using boring machines.
Perform final touch-ups with sandpaper or steel wool.
Dip, brush, or spray assembled articles with protective or decorative finishes, such as stain, varnish, paint, or lacquer.
Repair or alter wooden furniture, cabinetry, fixtures, paneling, or other pieces.
Draw up detailed specifications and discuss projects with customers.
Design furniture, using computer-aided drawing programs.
Apply Masonite, formica, or vinyl surfacing materials.
Program computers to operate machinery.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Mathematics
85%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Building and Construction
77%
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Production and Processing
74%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Design
69%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mechanical
69%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Engineering and Technology
61%
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Education and Training
49%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language
45%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administration and Management
44%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Public Safety and Security
42%
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
70%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis
68%
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Monitoring
63%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control
63%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking
60%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Equipment Selection
60%
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Operations Analysis
60%
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Speaking
60%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management
60%
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Top 10 Abilities
Arm-Hand Steadiness
78%
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Finger Dexterity
78%
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Manual Dexterity
78%
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Near Vision
78%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Control Precision
75%
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Multilimb Coordination
73%
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Trunk Strength
73%
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Visualization
70%
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Problem Sensitivity
65%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Reaction Time
65%
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Top 10 Work Activities
Getting Information
84%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Controlling Machines and Processes
83%
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects
83%
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
78%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Performing General Physical Activities
78%
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
77%
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
75%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
72%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
69%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
68%
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Detailed Work Activities
Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Assemble wood products.
Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators.
Operate woodworking equipment.
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
Attach decorative or functional accessories to products.
Trim excess material from workpieces.
Compare physical characteristics of materials or products to specifications or standards.
Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
Shape surfaces or edges of wood workpieces.
Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
Repair furniture or upholstery.
Estimate costs of products, services, or materials.
Estimate material requirements for production.
Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.
Confer with customers or designers to determine order specifications.
Design furniture.
Operate computers or computerized equipment.
Program equipment to perform production tasks.
Work Context
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Spend Time Standing
How much does this job require standing?
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Contact With Others
How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
Work With Work Group or Team
How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
Education
Interests
Realistic
100%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
39%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Artistic
29%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising
29%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Investigative
15%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Social
15%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Dependability
91%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attention to Detail
90%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
80%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Stress Tolerance
77%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Adaptability/Flexibility
75%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Concern for Others
75%
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Persistence
75%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self Control
75%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Initiative
73%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
73%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Work Values
Relationships
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
53%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Achievement
48%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Independence
48%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions
46%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Recognition
39%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
