Career comparison
Cabinetmaker vs. Interior Designer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Interior designers earn more at the median ($67,190 vs. $46,680), while cabinetmakers usually get to work faster (Months to years of training of training). Cabinetmakers build cabinets, furniture and custom woodwork. Interior designers design interior spaces that are functional, safe and beautiful.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Cabinetmaker | Interior Designer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $46,680 ($22.44/hr) | $67,190 ($32.31/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,650 – $63,720 | $41,420 – $114,140 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -2.9% (a projected decline) | +2.7% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 6,900 | 7,700 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | Months to years of training | 4 years |
| Key credential | WCA credentials | NCIDQ Certification |
| Work setting | Cabinetmakers work in shops and at install sites.. | Designers work in studios and offices and visit client sites, showrooms and construction projects.. |
What each job does
Cabinetmaker
- Read shop drawings
- Cut parts
- Machine joinery
- Assemble cabinets
- Build doors and drawers
Interior Designer
- Meet clients to define needs and budgets
- Plan space layouts
- Create drawings and 3D renderings
- Select finishes, furniture and lighting
- Follow codes and accessibility rules
How they’re similar
Both careers involve creative work, indoor work, and problem-solving. They sit in different fields, skilled trades & construction and arts, media & design, but share transferable skills such as precision and creativity.
Which should you choose?
Choose cabinetmaker if…
- I love woodworking
- I’m precise
- I like design
Choose interior designer if…
- I love designing spaces
- I have a good eye for color and materials
- I like solving layout problems
Still torn? Take the Cabinetmaker fit quiz and the Interior Designer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, cabinetmaker or interior designer?
Interior Designers earn more at the median: $67,190 versus $46,680 for cabinetmakers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Cabinetmakers typically train faster (Months to years of training) than interior designers (4 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects interior designers to grow +2.7% from 2025–35, compared with -2.9% for cabinetmakers.