Career Profile
Cabinet Maker
Cabinet makers design, build, and install custom cabinets and fine woodwork for kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces.
Average Salary
$42,980
Salary Range
$30,000 - $70,000+
Job Growth
2%
Demand Level
Moderate
Training Time
3-4 years
What You'll Do
- Read blueprints and design specifications
- Select and prepare wood and materials
- Operate table saws, routers, and CNC machinery
- Assemble cabinet boxes, doors, and drawers
- Install finished cabinets on-site
The Money
Entry Level
$28,000 - $35,000
Mid Career
$38,000 - $52,000
Senior Level
$48,000 - $70,000+
Overtime
Varies by shop
Physical Demands
LiftingModerate - sheet goods and cabinets
StandingLong periods at workstations
ConditionsClimate-controlled shop, installation work varies
How to Get Started
1
Learn on the job starting as shop helper
2
Technical school programs available (6 months - 2 years)
3
Woodworking classes and shop experience helpful
4
3-4 years to become proficient
Career Progression
Shop Helper
Cabinet Maker
Lead Cabinet Maker
Shop Foreman
Shop Owner
Best For
- Those who love working with wood
- People with an eye for design and detail
- Workers who want to see finished products
- Those who prefer shop work over construction sites
- People interested in starting their own business
What Tradespeople Say
"Every kitchen I build becomes part of someone's home for decades. That's a legacy you can touch."— Custom cabinet maker, 20 years
"It's carpentry elevated to furniture making. The standards are higher and so is the satisfaction."— Cabinet shop owner
"Start in a production shop to learn speed, then move to custom work to learn artistry."— Master cabinet maker
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet Makers
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