Ever admired a custom-built kitchen or handcrafted cabinet and thought, “I’d love to create that”? Cabinet makers turn wood, design, and precision into lasting functional art. Cabinet makers, also known as bench carpenters, design and build cabinets, furniture, and fixtures.

They combine woodworking skill with creative craftsmanship to produce products that enhance homes, businesses, and architectural spaces. If you enjoy working with your hands, problem-solving, and seeing tangible results, cabinetry offers a craft-based trade career that balances art and engineering. Quick answers At a glance Typical time to work as skilled: 1-3 years, depending on training and experience

Common training paths: certificate or diploma (6-12 months), apprenticeship (2-3 years), or associate degree (2 years)

Entry-level education: high school diploma or GED

Program cost range: varies by school, format and location depending on school and tools required

Certifications: optional (fees are usually under $200) What does a cabinet maker do? Cabinet makers design and build cabinets, furniture, and fixtures. The work often includes reading plans, measuring and assembling parts, and finishing surfaces.

How long does cabinet maker training take? Training as a skilled cabinet maker typically takes 1-3 years, depending on training and experience. Training options range from short programs to multi-year apprenticeships.

What education or training is common? Many cabinet makers start with a high school diploma or GED. Training paths include certificate or diploma programs, apprenticeships, and associate degrees. Where do cabinet makers work?

Cabinet makers work in manufacturing shops, custom woodworking and millwork companies, remodeling and construction firms, and interior design or architecture projects. Some are self-employed. Are certifications required?

Certifications are optional. Some cabinet makers add training in CAD, CNC machinery, or finishing, and certification fees are usually under $200.

What Cabinet Makers Do

Cabinet makers craft custom or production-line wooden furniture and fixtures, including cabinets, shelving, and detailed interior components. Their work combines precision measurement, design, and finish techniques.

Typical Responsibilities

Read blueprints, sketches, and design plans

Measure, cut, and assemble wood components

Operate hand tools, power tools, and CNC machinery

Sand, stain, and finish surfaces to desired textures or colors

Install cabinetry or fixtures in homes or commercial spaces Cabinet makers merge artistry with technical precision to produce furniture and installations that fit perfectly and last for years.

Key Skills and Traits for Success Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity

Basic math and measurement skills

Knowledge of tools, machinery, and materials

Patience and craftsmanship for finishing work

Creative design thinking

Understanding of safety practices and shop procedures Work Settings for Cabinet Makers Cabinet Makers Work In Furniture and cabinetry manufacturing shops

Custom woodworking and millwork companies

Residential remodeling and construction firms

Interior design and architecture projects

Independent woodworking studios or self-employed businesses How to Become a Cabinet Maker (5 Steps) Training as a skilled cabinet maker typically takes 1-3 years, depending on training and experience. Earn a High School Diploma or GED Focus on math, design, and woodworking classes to build measurement and technical drawing skills. Complete a Woodworking or Cabinetry Program Trade schools and community colleges offer programs that typically teach cabinet design, joinery, and CNC operation.

Gain On-the-Job Experience Work under experienced cabinet makers or finish carpenters to learn real-world techniques and precision standards.

Develop Specialized

Skills or Certifications Training in computer-aided design (CAD), CNC machinery, or finishing can open additional opportunities in custom or industrial production. Build a Portfolio and Advance Showcase your work through photos or project documentation to attract clients or advance into supervisory or business ownership roles. Compare training programs near you Browse program lengths, formats, and start dates from accredited schools that match your goals.

See programs near you ↑ Education and Training Paths Pathway Typical Duration Outcome Certificate or Diploma Program 6-12 months Entry-level woodworking skills Apprenticeship 2-3 years Journeyman-level proficiency Associate Degree 2 years Design and production training Specialty Certification 1-3 months CNC, safety, or finishing credentials Career Growth and Advancement Projected job growth for cabinetmakers and bench carpenters Use this chart on your site (free) This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page.



Chart by TradeCareerPath.com Cabinet Makers Can Move Into Roles Such As Lead Carpenter or Shop Supervisor - oversees production teams

Furniture Designer or Custom Builder - creates original works

Estimator or Project Coordinator - manages design and material planning

Independent Contractor - runs a woodworking or cabinetry business Cost and Duration of Training Program Cost: varies by school, format and location depending on school and tools required

Duration: 6 months to 3 years

Certification Fees: usually under $200 Cabinet making is a craft that combines precision and creativity. It’s ideal for people who take pride in tangible results and lifelong skill development. Pros and Cons Pros Creative and hands-on work

Variety of projects and styles

Potential for self-employment

Long-term skill development and craftsmanship Cons Physical and detailed work requiring patience

Dust and noise exposure in workshop settings

Income can vary based on project workload Take the First Step Toward a Cabinetry Career If you’re detail-oriented and love bringing designs to life through craftsmanship, training as a cabinet maker offers a rewarding path in woodworking and design.

Quick Facts: Cabinet Maker Training and Outlook Median Pay $46,680 $22.44/hr Top 10%: $63,720 Job Outlook (2024-2034) -1.5% 8,100 openings/yr Employment (2025) 77,170 Wage Percentiles 25th $38,830 75th $55,760 Typical Education High school diploma or equivalent On-the-Job Training Moderate-term on-the-job training or apprenticeship Highest Paying States DelawareNew YorkConnecticut Top Industries Cross-industry Certification Optional (safety or CNC machinery certification) 2025 data | SOC 51-7011 | Source: BLS OEWS What cabinetmakers and bench carpenters earn across the pay scale Use this chart on your site (free) This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page. Chart by TradeCareerPath.com Industry Organizations & Certifying Bodies These are the recognized national organizations, unions, certifying bodies, and regulatory authorities that shape this trade.

They issue the credentials, sponsor the apprenticeships, publish the codes, and represent workers and employers.

Architectural Woodwork

Institute (AWI) Industry standards and quality certification for architectural cabinetry.

Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA) Skill credentialing for cabinet and millwork professionals. Wage and Employment Charts Annual Wage by Percentile, United States - Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters annual wage percentiles, BLS OEWS May 2025 P10 $35650, P25 $38830, P50 $46680, P75 $55760, P90 $63720. 10th $35,650 25th $38,830 50th (median) $46,680 75th $55,760 90th $63,720 Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters annual wage percentiles Percentile Annual wage 10th $35,650 25th $38,830 50th (median) $46,680 75th $55,760 90th $63,720 Top-paying states for cabinetmakers and bench carpenters Use this chart on your site (free) This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page.

Chart by TradeCareerPath.com Projected employment growth, United States, Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters, 2024-2034 Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters employment 2024 vs 2034 projection, BLS Employment Projections 2024 employment 86000; 2034 projected employment 84700; percent change -1.6%. 2024 86,000 jobs 2034 (proj.) 84,700 jobs Change: -1.6% Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034 Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters employment projection 2024 to 2034 Year Employment 2024 86,000 2034 projected 84,700 Percent change -1.6% Compare training programs near you Browse program lengths, formats, and start dates from accredited schools that match your goals. See schools near you ↑ Workplace Safety Snapshot BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data (2023-2024) report approximately 243.1 days-away, restricted, or transfer cases per 10,000 full-time-equivalent workers in cabinetmakers and bench carpenters (about 2.43 per 100 FTE).

Source: BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, Table R98.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does cabinet maker training take? It typically takes typically 6 months to 2 years of training. The most common entry path is through a certificate or associate degree program. A high school diploma or GED is generally required to get started.



How much do cabinet makers make? The median annual salary for cabinet makers is $46,680 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). Entry-level workers earn around $35,650, while those in the 90th percentile earn over $63,720.

Pay varies by state, experience, and specialization. What is the job outlook for cabinet makers? The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects -1.6% employment growth for this occupation from 2024 to 2034, which is roughly on pace with the overall economy.

Approximately 8,100 job openings are expected each year due to growth, retirements, and workers leaving the field. Do you need a college degree to work as a cabinet maker? No. A college degree is not required to work as a cabinet maker.

Most people enter the field through a certificate or associate degree program. A high school diploma or GED is typically the only educational prerequisite. Which states pay cabinet makers the most? According to the U.S.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 OEWS), the highest-paying states for cabinet makers are Delaware, Recent York, and Connecticut.

Median annual wages: Delaware ($60,090)

- New York ($58,680)
- Connecticut ($58,100). Which states employ the most cabinet makers? BLS reports the largest concentrations of cabinet makers in California, Indiana, and Texas.

Employment levels: California (7,360 workers)

- Indiana (5,980 workers)
- Texas (5,530 workers) (May 2025). How much do experienced cabinet makers earn? The top 10% of cabinet makers earn more than $63,720 per year, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Experienced workers in this band typically hold senior credentials, supervisory roles, or specialty certifications. What is entry-level pay for cabinet makers? BLS reports the bottom 10% of cabinet makers earn under $35,650 per year. New workers often start near this level and see pay rise as they accumulate experience and credentials. How many cabinet makers work in the United States? BLS reports approximately 77,170 cabinet makers employed nationwide as of May 2025. How many job openings are expected for cabinet makers each year? BLS projects approximately 8,100 openings per year for cabinet makers from 2024 through 2034, including new positions, retirements, and workers transitioning out. The occupation is projected to grow -1.6% from 2024 to 2034, classified as in decline growth. How much do cabinet makers make per hour? The median hourly wage for cabinet makers is $22.44, according to BLS (May 2025). Hourly pay ranges from about $17.14 (bottom 10%) to $30.64 (top 10%).

How Cabinet Maker Pay

Compares to Similar Trades Side-by-side comparison of Cabinet Maker and the closest related careers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2025 OEWS + 2024-2034 Employment Projections).

Career Median

Pay 10-Year Growth Annual Openings Cabinet Maker this guide $46,680 -1.6% 8,100 Carpentry $60,580 +4.5% 74,100 Woodworker $49,630 -5.0% - Interior Designer $67,190 +3.2% 7,800 Flooring Installer $56,460 +9.5% 2,700 Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics + BLS Employment Projections.

Related Careers

Carpentry

Woodworker

Interior Designer

Flooring Installer Sources U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025)

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (2023-2024, Table R98)

U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Davis-Bacon General Wage Determinations (2026) Cabinet Maker Salary by State BLS OEWS, May 2025 Filter states State Median annual Top 10% annual Arkansas $50,070 $104,530 Massachusetts $58,040 $79,860 New York $58,680 $79,640 Vermont $57,620 $78,800 Connecticut $58,100 $76,690 New Jersey $51,760 $76,670 Rhode Island $52,800 $74,730 Nevada $47,780 $74,460 New Hampshire $57,980 $72,540 Illinois $50,160 $71,330 Hawaii $49,050 $70,160 Delaware $60,090 $70,110 Maryland $49,180 $68,020 California $49,030 $67,780 Washington $48,710 $66,570 Colorado $49,610 $64,890 Nebraska $48,600 $64,780 Michigan $48,550 $64,420 Virginia $45,910 $63,800 Pennsylvania $47,610 $63,610 Minnesota $48,740 $63,310 Tennessee $46,440 $62,400 Montana $47,920 $62,240 North Dakota $47,140 $61,960 Florida $46,360 $61,940 Mississippi $38,800 $61,790 Idaho $44,870 $61,510 South Carolina $47,680 $61,350 Maine $48,150 $61,290 Utah $46,390 $61,120 Wisconsin $46,790 $61,040 Iowa $47,110 $60,370 Oklahoma $36,630 $59,960 Kentucky $40,440 $59,530 New Mexico $47,210 $59,470 Arizona $45,580 $59,400 Ohio $47,430 $58,960 Oregon $46,910 $58,660 Georgia $42,280 $58,610 Missouri $45,980 $58,580 North Carolina $46,010 $58,410 Wyoming $46,380 $58,240 Indiana $45,550 $57,980 South Dakota $45,950 $57,640 Texas $38,340 $53,210 Kansas $41,350 $53,040 Louisiana $39,280 $52,130 Alabama $38,550 $48,560 West Virginia $42,400 $48,440 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

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