Cabinet making can be a lucrative career for skilled craftspeople. Here is an in-depth look at how much cabinet makers typically earn.
The Role of a Cabinet Maker
Cabinet makers are specialized woodworkers that design, build, and install cabinets, countertops, and other fixtures for residential and commercial settings. Their responsibilities include:
- Meeting with clients to discuss project requirements and preferences
- Taking accurate measurements of installation spaces
- Creating technical drawings and designs for cabinets and fixtures
- Selecting materials like wood, laminates, and hardware
- Operating woodworking machinery to cut, shape, and join materials
- Assembling cabinets and installing them on-site
- Finishing surfaces with stains, paints, or other treatments
- Staying up-to-date on the latest tools, materials, and techniques
The work of a cabinet maker combines precision woodworking skills with an eye for spatial design. Attention to detail and strong customer service skills are also important. The most successful cabinet makers can translate a client’s vision into well-crafted finished products.
Cabinet Maker Salaries
Many factors determine how much a cabinet maker earns, including experience level, location, shop size, and reputation. On average, most cabinet makers in the United States earn between $35,000 and $85,000 per year. Pay usually increases with skill level and supervisory roles.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for cabinetmakers across the U.S. is $42,530. This means that half earn more than this amount and half earn less. Top earners in the field make over $63,000.
Geographic location can significantly impact earnings. The top-paying states for cabinet makers are:
- Alaska – $54,650 median salary
- Hawaii – $51,440 median salary
- Connecticut – $51,090 median salary
- Massachusetts – $50,400 median salary
- Nevada – $49,840 median salary
Major cities and metro areas also tend to have higher wages for cabinetry work.
Factors That Influence Cabinet Maker Salaries
There are several key factors that can determine how much an individual cabinet maker earns:
Experience Level
The more experienced a cabinet maker is, the more they can usually charge for labor and the faster they can complete projects. Apprentice cabinet makers generally start around $25,000 to $35,000, while master craftspeople with decades of experience can earn $75,000 or more.
Reputation and Skills
A cabinet maker’s reputation and set of skills also affects earning potential. Those known for outstanding quality, unique designs, and specialty skills like carving, marquetry, or finishing can increase profits. Advanced certifications can also boost income.
Shop Size and Type
Larger cabinet shops, studios, or manufacturers pay more than small independent businesses. Cabinet makers employed by big-box retailers also tend to make less than independent artisan shops. Custom work earns more than production work.
Business Ownership
Cabinet makers who own their own businesses have the highest earning potential, but also the most risk. Profit margins vary greatly based on workshop overhead, material costs, and sales volumes. Successful owners can eventually earn over $100,000.
Union Membership
Joining a labor union like the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America can boost wages, benefits, and job stability for cabinet makers. Union shops must pay workers according to negotiated pay scales.
How to Increase Your Salary as a Cabinet Maker
Cabinet makers have several options to increase their earning potential over time:
- Gain extensive experience through apprenticeships and on-the-job training
- Earn advanced certifications that demonstrate specialized skills
- Establish relationships with interior designers, contractors, and clients for repeat business
- Expand your services by learning new skills like installation, home remodeling, or CNC machinery operation
- Start your own business once you’ve built up requisite experience and capital
- Join a labor union to access better pay and benefits
- Move to a major metro area where wages are higher and there is more business
- Promote your skills and achievements through websites, social media, publications, and competitions
While natural talent is important, cabinet makers can significantly boost their salaries by continuously improving their expertise and seeking new challenges. Finding a profitable niche and building a strong professional reputation are also key. With persistence and savvy business skills, six-figure incomes are attainable for the most successful cabinet makers.
Conclusion
Cabinet makers can earn a comfortable living, with salaries averaging $35,000 to $85,000 depending on experience, skills, and location. The top 10% of earners make over $63,000 annually. Several factors like advanced certifications, self-employment, and union membership can maximize earnings. For those passionate about fine woodworking, cabinetmaking offers rewarding work with ample opportunities for income growth over a career. With dedication to the craft and smart business moves, talented cabinet makers can eventually achieve an enviable income.