Career comparison
Cabinetmaker vs. Carpenter Helper
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Cabinetmakers earn more at the median ($46,680 vs. $43,780), while carpenter helpers usually get to work faster (A few weeks on the job of training). Cabinetmakers build cabinets, furniture and custom woodwork. Carpenter helpers help carpenters frame, build and finish structures while learning the trade.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Cabinetmaker | Carpenter Helper | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $46,680 ($22.44/hr) | $43,780 ($21.05/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,650 – $63,720 | $31,660 – $57,670 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -2.9% (a projected decline) | -1.7% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 6,900 | 2,000 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | Months to years of training | A few weeks on the job |
| Key credential | WCA credentials | OSHA 10 |
| Work setting | Cabinetmakers work in shops and at install sites.. | Helpers work on construction sites.. |
What each job does
Cabinetmaker
- Read shop drawings
- Cut parts
- Machine joinery
- Assemble cabinets
- Build doors and drawers
Carpenter Helper
- Carry lumber
- Cut boards
- Hold materials
- Nail and screw
- Build forms
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose cabinetmaker if…
- I love woodworking
- I’m precise
- I like design
Choose carpenter helper if…
- I want to learn carpentry
- I like building
- I’m reliable
Still torn? Take the Cabinetmaker fit quiz and the Carpenter Helper fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, cabinetmaker or carpenter helper?
Cabinetmakers earn more at the median: $46,680 versus $43,780 for carpenter helpers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Carpenter Helpers typically train faster (A few weeks on the job) than cabinetmakers (Months to years of training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects carpenter helpers to grow -1.7% from 2025–35, compared with -2.9% for cabinetmakers.