Cabinetmaker

Your Fit

Income

$48K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-1.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Cabinetmaker?

Cabinetmakers are skilled artisans specializing in designing, constructing, and repairing wooden cabinets, furniture, and other fine wood products. They combine craftsmanship with functionality to create durable and aesthetically pleasing wood products.

Sample job titles:

Cabinet Assembler, Cabinet Installer, Cabinetmaker, Frame Builder

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Cabinetmaker.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Cabinetmaker earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Cabinetmaker.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$37K per year	$42K per year	$48K per year	$55K per year	$62K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $17K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Cabinetmaker do?

Work environment

Cabinetmakers typically work in manufacturing plants, woodworking shops, or small studios. The environment can be dusty and noisy, requiring the use of safety equipment. Some cabinetmakers may also work on-site, installing cabinets in homes or businesses.

Quick task list

Designs and plans cabinet layouts.
Measures and cuts wood or other materials.
Assembles and installs cabinets and furniture.
Finishes surfaces with laminates, veneers, or paints.
Repairs and restores old or damaged furniture.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Custom Furniture Design: Creating unique, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces.
Restoration Cabinetmaking: Specializing in restoring antique or damaged wood products.
Commercial Cabinetry: Focusing on cabinetry for businesses, such as offices or retail spaces.
Kitchen and Bath Cabinetry: Specializing in cabinets for residential kitchens and bathrooms.

Description

Cabinetmaking is a profession that blends creativity with technical skill. Cabinetmakers must be adept at reading blueprints and designing plans that meet specific requirements. They use a variety of tools and machines to cut, shape, and assemble wood and other materials, ensuring precision in every aspect of their work.

The role involves both individual craftsmanship and teamwork, as cabinetmakers often collaborate with designers, contractors, and clients. While much of the work is focused on functional pieces like cabinets, there is also scope for artistic expression, especially in custom furniture design.

Technological advancements, such as CNC machines, have modernized the field, allowing for more intricate designs and efficient production. However, the fundamental skills of measuring, cutting, and finishing remain central to the profession.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Crafting tangible, functional products with aesthetic appeal.
The satisfaction of bringing a client's vision to life.
Opportunities for creative expression in design and construction.
The pride in maintaining traditional woodworking skills.

You might make a good Cabinetmaker if you are...

Detail-oriented and precise in your work.
Creative, with a strong aesthetic sense.
Skilled in working with your hands and using various tools.
Able to visualize concepts and translate them into physical objects.
Interested in woodworking and the process of creating functional art.

Pros:

Creative and fulfilling work.
Opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Variety in daily tasks and projects.

Cons:

Potential for physical strain and exposure to dust.
Competitive market, especially for custom work.
Economic sensitivity of the industry to housing market fluctuations.

How to become a Cabinetmaker

Typical education

Most cabinetmakers have a high school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or vocational school programs. Formal education can range from a few months to two years.

High school preparation

Courses:

Woodshop and carpentry classes.
Basic courses in design and drafting.
Mathematics for precise measurements and calculations.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a woodworking or craft club.
Internships or part-time work in a woodworking shop.
Participating in design or art competitions.

Preparation after high school

Vocational training or apprenticeships in cabinetmaking or carpentry.
Community college programs in woodworking or furniture design.
Workshops and courses in specialized woodworking techniques.
Building a portfolio of work to showcase skills and creativity.

More resources

Cabinet Makers Association - Resources and community for professional cabinetmakers.
Fine Woodworking - Magazine and online resource for woodworking techniques and inspiration.
Woodworking Network - Industry news, trends, and educational content.
Online Woodworking Courses - Variety of tutorials and classes for different skill levels.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.