Cabinet Maker
Cabinet makers create custom woodwork for commercial, residential, institutional, and retail construction. They use a combination of traditional hand tools and precision machinery to bring decorative and functional woodwork to life. But don’t let the name fool you, cabinet makers fabricate and install trim, molding, cabinetry and shelving, doors, window frames, exposed columns and beams, displays, mantels, and staircases.
Work Performed by Cabinet Makers
Cabinet makers add an extra level of quality and character to every job. Their creativity and attention to detail turn even simple materials into works of art that elevate the entire project. As a cabinet maker apprentice, these are just a few of the jobs you’ll have the opportunity to take on:
- Create onsite woodwork, cabinetry, and decor in malls, banks, hotels, office buildings and exhibition areas.
- Cut, shape, and assemble wood products (moldings, panels, furniture) as well as fabricate store fixtures (exhibits, display cases) using metal, plastics, and glass. Equipment skills include the operation of machinery such as power saws, planers, joiners, and shapers.
- Specialized, steady work that requires patience and exacting skill. Indoor work provides a greater sense of stability than other, more general carpentry tasks.
Cabinet Maker Apprenticeship Program Overview
To graduate from cabinet maker apprentice to journeyworker, you’ll complete 7,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) and 640 hours of classroom learning. Completion hours may vary depending on the region you belong to. Cabinet maker apprentices will be evaluated through demonstrations of skill and technique, and standard knowledge exams.
Average earnings for all first-year students:
- $33,436 – $46,363 + benefits*
Sample courses:
- OSHA, Financial Planning
- Safety – construction fall protection, aerial lift, first-aid/CPR/AED
- Machine Safety
- Table Saw 1
On-the-job training & classroom hours:
- 1,750 hours of OJT
- 160 hours of classroom
*Wages vary by area. Contact the local training center for detailed wage estimate.
Average earnings for all second-year students:
- $45,600 – $63,200 + benefits*
Sample courses:
- Table Saw 2
- Machine Woodworking
- Machine Woodworking 2 – wall cabinets
- Solid Surface – stile and rail door
On-the-job training & classroom hours:
- 1,750 hours of OJT
- 160 hours of classroom
*Wages vary by area. Contact the local training center for detailed wage estimate.
Average earnings for all third-year students:
- $51,666 – $71,646 + benefits*
Sample courses:
- European Cabinetry and Laminating
- Exhibit Construction
- Interior Trim
- CNC Router Training
On-the-job training & classroom hours:
- 1,750 hours of OJT
- 160 hours of classroom
*Wages vary by area. Contact the local training center for detailed wage estimate.
Average earnings for all fourth-year students:
- $57,748 – $80,077 + benefits*
Sample courses:
- Custom Toolbox
- ICRA “Health Care Construction”
On-the-job training & classroom hours:
- 1,750 hours of OJT
- 160 hours of classroom
*Wages vary by area. Contact the local training center for detailed wage estimate.
Average earnings:
- $60,789 – $84,295 + benefits*
*Wages vary by area. Contact the local training center for detailed wage estimate.
Average earnings:
- $72,485 – $97,010 + benefits*
*Wages vary by area. Contact the local training center for detailed wage estimate.
Average earnings:
- $98,100 – $131,018 + benefits*
*Wages vary by area. Contact the local training center for detailed wage estimate.
It Doesn’t Stop at Journeyworker
After successfully completing your apprenticeship and becoming a journeyworker, there’s still opportunity to further advance your career. You may oversee a crew on a job site as a leadperson, or become a foreman or project superintendent. You may even go on to start your own company! Whatever your goals, Carpenters Training Institute will work with you to achieve them.
Continuing Education Courses
- Solid Surface
- First Aid/CPR/AED
- Door Hardware
- OSHA
- Sanding and Finishing
- And many more!
Get a Head Start on Your Degree
Completing the cabinet maker apprenticeship program at Carpenters Training Institute satisfies a portion of the credit requirements for a two-year associate degree at several technical and community colleges in the Midwest.