Career comparison
Cabinetmaker vs. Upholsterer
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. $46,340), while upholsterers usually get to work faster (Months of training of training). Cabinetmakers build cabinets, furniture and custom woodwork. Upholsterers rebuild and recover furniture, car seats and boat interiors.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Cabinetmaker | Upholsterer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $46,680 ($22.44/hr) | $46,340 ($22.28/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,650 – $63,720 | $31,690 – $63,770 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -2.9% (a projected decline) | -2.3% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 6,900 | 1,700 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Months to years of training | Months of training |
| Key credential | WCA credentials | Upholstery course |
| Work setting | Cabinetmakers work in shops and at install sites.. | Upholsterers work in shops and factories.. |
What each job does
Cabinetmaker
- Read shop drawings
- Cut parts
- Machine joinery
- Assemble cabinets
- Build doors and drawers
Upholsterer
- Strip old upholstery
- Repair frames
- Retie springs
- Replace padding
- Cut fabric
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, creative work, indoor work, and working independently. 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 upholsterer if…
- I like making old things new
- I can sew
- I’m patient
Still torn? Take the Cabinetmaker fit quiz and the Upholsterer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, cabinetmaker or upholsterer?
Cabinetmakers earn more at the median: $46,680 versus $46,340 for upholsterers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Upholsterers typically train faster (Months of training) than cabinetmakers (Months to years of training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects upholsterers to grow -2.3% from 2025–35, compared with -2.9% for cabinetmakers.