Installing cabinets is a skilled trade that requires precision, attention to detail, and expertise in carpentry and construction. Cabinet installers are professionals who specialize in accurately measuring, designing, building, delivering, and installing cabinetry in residential and commercial settings. Their compensation can vary based on factors like experience, location, and employer. This article will provide an extensive overview of how much cabinet installers typically earn.
Average Salary for Cabinet Installers
The average salary for cabinet installers in the United States is approximately $47,030 per year, or $22.62 per hour, according to 2021 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, salaries can range from as low as $27,000 for entry-level positions to $70,000 or more for highly experienced installers.
The earning potential for cabinet installers depends on several factors:
Experience Level
- Entry-level cabinet installers with less than 1 year of experience typically make between $27,000-$36,000.
- Mid-level installers with 1-5 years of experience usually earn $35,000-$50,000.
- Experienced cabinet installers with 5+ years in the field can make $45,000-$70,000+.
Employer Type
- Cabinet installers working for small custom cabinetry businesses earn approximately $30,000-$45,000.
- Installers working for large cabinet or kitchen remodeling corporations tend to make $40,000-$60,000.
- Self-employed cabinet installers can earn $50,000-$75,000.
Geographical Location
Region and cost of living significantly impact installer salaries:
- Cabinet installers in rural southern states earn approximately $30,000-$45,000.
- Installers in suburban areas in the Midwest and South make around $40,000-$55,000.
- Big cities on the coasts like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami offer salaries from $50,000-$70,000+.
Specialized Skills & Certifications
Cabinet installers with advanced skills, training, and certifications tend to command higher salaries. For example, installers with expertise in:
- Custom high-end cabinetry – $55,000-$75,000
- Green building standards – $50,000-$65,000
- CAD software – $50,000-$70,000
- Project management – $60,000-$80,000
How Cabinet Installers Are Paid
There are two primary pay structures for cabinet installers:
Hourly Wages
Most cabinet installers are paid an hourly wage. This provides reliable, steady income. Hourly pay rates typically range from $15-$35 per hour based on experience, skills, and location. Benefits like health insurance, 401k, and paid time off may be included.
Piece Rate & Commission
Some installers are paid on a piece rate basis, earning a fixed amount for each cabinet installed. For example, they may earn $5-$10 per linear foot. Faster and more skilled installers can maximize their earnings with this model. Installers may also earn commission as a percentage of each total job payment.
Many cabinet installers work as independent contractors and negotiate their own rates for each job. Establishing fair hourly or per piece pricing is crucial for contractors to earn good incomes.
Factors That Affect Cabinet Installer Pay
There are several key factors that impact how much a cabinet installer earns:
Experience & Skills
The more skilled and experienced an installer is, the higher their earning potential. New installers may only earn $15-$20 per hour while top-level installers can earn $50 per hour or more. Specialized skills like custom cabinetry expertise or CAD software knowledge also increase pay rates. Ongoing training is key for installers to stay current and maximize salaries.
Type of Employer
Working for a large corporation or high-end custom cabinetry company tends to pay more than smaller businesses. The annual revenues and job volume of the employer can positively impact installer pay. Independent contractors also have high earning ability but less stability.
Certifications & Credentials
Installers who earn certifications demonstrate specialized expertise that warrants higher compensation. Relevant certifications include CKCA (Certified Kitchen Cabinetmaker), CBIC (Certified Cabinet Installer), and credentials in green building standards like LEED. Many employers provide certification exam reimbursements.
Hours & Overtime
Most cabinet installers work full time, often including overtime. Those who work more than 40 hours per week qualify for overtime pay at time and a half rates under federal law. Willingness to work long hours, nights, or weekends can increase overall annual pay.
Geographical Region
The local job market significantly impacts salaries. Installers in major metro areas like San Francisco and New York City earn the highest rates due to a higher cost of living. Suburban and rural area installers typically earn less. Within each region, compensation rises with greater demand for skilled trades.
Size of Projects
Larger, more complex cabinet installation projects tend to pay more than basic small jobs. High-end custom cabinetry for large residences and commercial spaces provide the highest potential earnings per project due to intricacy and scope.
Benefits & Perks
Beyond salaries, many cabinet installers also enjoy benefits and perks that enhance their total compensation packages:
- Health insurance – Employer-sponsored plans help cover medical expenses and reduce personal costs.
- Retirement plans – 401ks, pensions, profit-sharing provide tax-advantaged savings for retirement. Employers often match contributions up to a percentage.
- Paid time off – Vacation, sick days, and holidays provide needed time for rest and relaxation away from work.
- Vehicle allowances – Allowances for gas, mileage, maintenance help defray commuting and transportation expenses.
- Tools & equipment – Providing company tools, vehicles, and equipment reduces overhead costs for installers.
- Training stipends – Employer-paid training and seminars help installers gain skills.
- Bonuses – Performance and year-end bonuses reward exemplary work and boost earnings.
- Hiring incentives – Signing and referral bonuses help attract top talent.
Independent contractors miss out on benefits but can deduct business expenses and often earn higher overall incomes.
Career Advancement & Income Growth
Cabinet installers have several paths to increase their earnings as they advance in their careers:
- Transitioning to lead installer roles with project oversight duties typically provides a 10-20% pay increase.
- Supervisory roles like crew chief, site supervisor, or field manager can boost pay by 25-50%.
- Shifting into related management roles in operations, distribution, or sales broadens income potential.
- Many installers choose to start their own independent installation business after several years of experience, allowing them to set their own rates and fully control their income.
- Achieving master cabinet installer status through extensive training, certification, and exceptional skill level can increase pay significantly.
- Developing expertise in high-end custom cabinetry installation provides access to premium job opportunities.
- Learning CAD software for design work enables installers to provide more services.
- Adding project management skills allows installers to run complex cabinetry jobs for top dollar.
With dedication and constant skills development, cabinet installers have strong long-term career growth and earning trajectories in a stable, essential field. Those at the pinnacle of the profession can make six-figure incomes.
Job Outlook for Cabinet Installers
The job outlook for cabinet installers over the next decade is very strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for cabinetmakers and bench carpenters is projected to grow 8% from 2020-2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
Demand for new and remodeled homes, offices, and other buildings requiring professionally installed cabinetry is expected to drive industry growth. The ongoing home improvement boom also contributes to robust demand for installers.
Retirement of current cabinet installers will also create many job openings. Skilled workers who complete apprenticeship programs and gain certifications should have ample career opportunities and negotiating leverage on compensation.
While new technologies like CNC machines may reduce production roles, installers will continue to play crucial hands-on roles delivering and fitting cabinetry on-site. Their specialized expertise cannot be replaced. With sound fundamentals and constant professional development, prospects look bright for the installation profession.
Key Takeaways on Cabinet Installer Pay
- Median annual salary for cabinet installers is approximately $47,000, with hourly wages ranging from $15-$35 based on experience and skills.
- Highest earning potential exists in major metro areas and for high-end custom cabinetry jobs.
- Many installers can significantly increase pay by starting independent businesses or advancing to supervisory roles.
- Strong job growth is projected over the next decade due to construction and home improvement demand.
- Developing specialized expertise and earning key certifications can boost installer pay.
In summary, cabinet installers can earn good, steady incomes that support comfortable lifestyles, especially for those who hone expertise in niche cabinetry work. While physically demanding, the profession offers job stability, active work for those who enjoy hands-on roles, and promising career mobility. The key is gaining enough experience to be able to secure well-paying installation jobs and build positive client relationships. With the right skills, credentials, work ethic, time management, and business savvy, cabinet installers have substantial income and advancement potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do entry-level cabinet installers make?
Entry-level installers can expect to earn $15-$20 per hour, or approximately $30,000-$40,000 per year. Apprenticeship programs allow beginners to gain skills on the job. Incomes rise steadily with more experience.
What qualifications do you need to become a cabinet installer?
Most employers seek at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Construction experience, carpentry skills, basic math and measuring competence, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and physical stamina are key. Formal training programs, certifications, and licenses can significantly boost hireability and earning ability over time.
Do cabinet installers work alone or in teams?
Most cabinet installers work alongside at least one other skilled installer. Teamwork allows installers to handle very large, intricate cabinetry projects efficiently. Independent contractors may choose to work solo on smaller jobs.
How much do self-employed cabinet installers earn?
Independent cabinet installers can typically earn $50,000-$75,000 annually or more by setting their own rates on all jobs. However, they must pay for their own expenses, tools, health insurance, taxes, and lack benefits. The most successful contractors develop positive client relationships to win repeat business.
Is there earning potential for overtime as a cabinet installer?
Yes, full-time cabinet installers who work over 40 hours per week qualify for overtime pay at time-and-a-half rates, boosting weekly earnings. Availability and willingness to work long hours, nights, and weekends can significantly increase annual pay for non-salaried installers.
What soft skills help cabinet installers earn top salaries?
Installers with exceptional communication skills, time management, attention to detail, customer service, and problem-solving excel and justify higher compensation. Reliability, teamwork, and organization are also valued soft skills. Ongoing training demonstrates commitment.
How can cabinet installers increase their earning potential over time?
Advancing to lead installer, crew chief, and management roles boosts pay substantially. Developing expertise in niche areas like high-end cabinetry and earning key certifications also increases earning ability. Starting an independent business provides full control over income.
Conclusion
While physically strenuous, cabinet installation is a rewarding career choice that provides middle-class incomes, active work, and long-term job stability. Experienced installers who continually hone skills in specialty areas and project management can reach advanced levels earning over $70,000. Independent business ownership also offers high upside. Demand for quality cabinetry installation will continue to drive hiring and compensation. With dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction, cabinet installers can expect sound compensation and advancement in a vital construction field.