Cabinetmaker

Print

Work Tasks

CABINETMAKERS set up and operate a variety of woodworking machines and use various hand tools to fabricate and repair wooden cabinets and high-grade furniture, such as tables, dressers, and chairs. They study blueprints or drawings of articles to be constructed or repaired, and plan the sequence of cutting or shaping operations to be performed. Cabinetmakers mark outlines or dimensions of parts on paper or lumber stock, according to the blueprints or drawing specifications. They match materials for color, grain, or texture.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $38,500 average per year ($18.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (99,600 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.8% per year)

Entry Requirements

CABINETMAKERS are either trained on the job in a cabinet shop, picking up skills informally from experienced workers, or through an apprenticeship program. Applicants for an apprenticeship must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Preference is given to applicants with credits in wood shop, drafting, physical science, and mathematics. Apprenticeship programs take approximately 4 years to complete and include job experience and night classes at adult vocational and education centers or community colleges. Others may attend colleges or universities that offer training in areas including wood technology, furniture manufacturing, and wood engineering.