Furniture Manufacturing Workers

Becoming a skilled cabinetmaker or bench carpenter typically takes three or more years; lower-skill jobs do not require previous experience.

Furniture manufacturing workers must enjoy working with their hands, as well as have manual dexterity, an eye for detail and accuracy, and a sense of proportion and balance. In addition, good eye-hand-finger coordination, an ability to follow directions, and strength for lifting are essential.

Cabinetmakers and furniture designers, in particular, need to be creative, as well as to be able to visualize three-dimensional objects based on written specifications, digital designs, and drawings. Assemblers must be able to perform repetitive work and get along well with others. Those who are self-employed need good written and oral communication skills, flexibility, management sense, self-discipline, and analytical skills.