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Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 296 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Less exposedband 2 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 25% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. 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.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Estimate the amounts, types, or costs of needed materials.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Draw up detailed specifications and discuss projects with customers.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  4. Design furniture, using computer-aided drawing programs.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  5. Program computers to operate machinery.

    AI could do much of this on its own

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Verify dimensions or check the quality or fit of pieces to ensure adherence to specifications.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Produce or assemble components of articles, such as store fixtures, office equipment, cabinets, or high-grade furniture.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  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.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Set up or operate machines, including power saws, jointers, mortisers, tenoners, molders, or shapers, to cut, mold, or shape woodstock or wood substitutes.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Attach parts or subassemblies together to form completed units, using glue, dowels, nails, screws, or clamps.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Tool and Die Makers

    Similar work
    +16% pay189 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 16% more—$69,633 vs your $60,021 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Near Vision
    • Mechanical
    • Visualization
    • Mathematics
    • Control Precision

    New skills to build

    • Technology Design
  • Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

    Somewhat similar work
    slightly less pay112 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays slightly less—$56,333 vs your $60,021 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Visualization
    • Mechanical
    • Mathematics
    • Control Precision
    • Near Vision

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Carpenters

    Somewhat similar work
    +24% pay4,213 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 24% more—$74,288 vs your $60,021 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Building and Construction
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Mathematics
    • Design
    • Mechanical

    New skills to build

    • Administration and Management
    • Public Safety and Security
    • Physics
    • Education and Training
    • Customer and Personal Service
  • Sheet Metal Workers

    Somewhat similar work
    +26% pay471 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 26% more—$75,758 vs your $60,021 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Building and Construction
    • Mathematics
    • Mechanical
    • Visualization
    • Design

    New skills to build

    • Administration and Management
    • Physics
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Installation