Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters
SOC Code: 51-7011
Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $46,020 and -1.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 86,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters (SOC 51-7011) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 86,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -1.6% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $46,020, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train — apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Verify dimensions or check the quality or fit of pieces to ensure adherence to specifications.
- 2. Produce or assemble components of articles, such as store fixtures, office equipment, cabinets, or high-grade furniture.
- 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. Set up or operate machines, including power saws, jointers, mortisers, tenoners, molders, or shapers, to cut, mold, or shape woodstock or wood substitutes.
- 5. 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.
- 6. Attach parts or subassemblies together to form completed units, using glue, dowels, nails, screws, or clamps.
- 7. Estimate the amounts, types, or costs of needed materials.
- 8. Reinforce joints with nails or other fasteners to prepare articles for finishing.
- 9. Install hardware, such as hinges, handles, catches, or drawer pulls, using hand tools.
- 10. Trim, sand, or scrape surfaces or joints to prepare articles for finishing.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Analysis
- Equipment Selection
- Troubleshooting
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Mathematics
- Building and Construction
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Security
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters?
Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters has an AI exposure score of 39%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters is projected to decline by 1.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 86,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters?
Key skills for Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters include Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters earn?
The median annual wage for Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters is $46,020, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters?
The typical entry-level education for Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters?
Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).