Carpenter
Build and repair frameworks, structures and finish work from wood and other materials.
- $60,580
- 3–4 years (apprenticeship)
Skilled Trades & Construction career
Cabinetmaker
Also called: Cabinet Maker · Bench Carpenter · Millworker · Custom Furniture Maker
What cabinetmakers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a cabinetmaker do?
Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters cut, shape and assemble wooden articles or set up and operate a variety of woodworking machines to make cabinets, furniture and millwork. The median pay is $46,680 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Months to years of training, and employment is projected to grow -2.9% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$46,680$22.44/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-2.9%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year6,900Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainMonths to years of trainingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs81,800Employment, 2025
What cabinetmakers do
Cabinetmakers build fine woodwork. They read shop drawings, cut and machine parts, assemble cabinet boxes and doors, install hardware, and may design and install kitchens, built-ins and furniture.
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. BLS projects slight decline.
Typical duties
- Read shop drawings
- Cut parts
- Machine joinery
- Assemble cabinets
- Build doors and drawers
- Install hardware
- Install cabinets
Work environment and schedule
Cabinetmakers work in shops and at install sites.
Schedule: Full time.
A day in the life
- Review drawings.
- Cut panels on the CNC.
- Edgeband parts.
- Assemble boxes.
See a full day in the life of a cabinetmaker →
Cabinetmaker salary
Half of cabinetmakers earned more than $46,680 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,650 for the lowest 10% to $63,720 for the top 10%.
Full cabinetmaker pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a cabinetmaker
- Finish high school
- Take woodworking classes
- Join a cabinet shop
- Learn machines and joinery
- Advance
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a cabinetmaker →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Shop drawing reading
- Machine operation
- Joinery
- Assembly
- Hardware installation
People skills
- Precision
- Creativity
- Patience
- Problem-solving
All cabinetmaker skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Craft and creativity
- Can be self-employed
- CNC skills
- Lasting work
Cons
- Dust and noise
- Slight decline
- Tight deadlines
- Machine hazards
Certifications and licenses
- WCA credentials: Woodwork Career Alliance.
- AWI training: Architectural Woodwork Institute.
- CNC training: Helpful.
- OSHA 10: Safety.
Career path
- Shop Helper: Entry.
- Cabinetmaker: Build.
- Lead Cabinetmaker: Lead.
- Shop Owner: Business.
Learn the job before day one
Our Cabinetmaker training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as build a square cabinet box and install concealed euro hinges, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Woodworking Machine Operator
Run saws, routers and sanders that make furniture, cabinets and wood products.
- $43,380
- A few months on the job
Furniture Finisher
Stain, finish and restore furniture and cabinetry.
- $44,540
- A few months on the job
Interior Designer
Design interior spaces that are functional, safe and beautiful.
- $67,190
- 4 years
Compare: Cabinetmaker vs. Carpenter · Cabinetmaker vs. Woodworking Machine Operator · Cabinetmaker vs. Furniture Finisher · Cabinetmaker vs. Interior Designer
Cabinetmaker FAQ
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is CNC important?
Many shops use CNC.
Can I open my own shop?
Many do.
How much does a cabinetmaker make?
The median annual wage for cabinetmakers was $46,680 ($22.44 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,650 and the highest 10% earned more than $63,720.
How long does it take to become a cabinetmaker?
Most people need about Months to years of training of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a cabinetmaker?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-7011 (Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.