Should I Become a Cabinetmaker?
Cabinetmakers cut and assemble wood parts to create cabinets for customers, often making their products according to certain specifications. In addition to designing and building cabinets, they might handle installation. They can find employment at furniture stores, furniture repair shops, and construction companies.
These workers need to be familiar with various tools and machines, skilled with their hands and adept at sanding, staining, and sealing wood into polished products. Safety precautions need to be followed to prevent injuries from tools and to protect cabinetmakers from wood dust and extreme noise.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | No degree required, but workers may complete a postsecondary training program or on-the-job training |
| Degree Field | Cabinetmaking, woodworking, furniture construction |
| Experience | Can take up to three years of work experience to become a skilled cabinetmaker |
| Key Skills | Detail-oriented and problem-solving skills; math knowledge and the ability to read complicated blueprints and manuals: physical strength, stamina, and dexterity |
| Salary (2018) | $34,740 per year (median for cabinetmakers and bench carpenters) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Step 1: Receive Training
Most cabinetmakers receive the majority of their training on the job; however, they can also obtain skills by completing formal training at community colleges, vocational schools, or universities. Some programs result in a certificate, and others may offer apprenticeship opportunities. Certificate programs typically take about a year to complete.
Training can include instruction on computer operations and computerized cabinetmaking for creating drawings and designs. Students can learn about wood characteristics, joinery, estimating and ordering materials, project design, and assembly. Some topics participants might study in a cabinetmaking or woodworking program include jigs and fixtures, cabinet installation, millwork, and wood veneering. Other courses or topics may cover wood carving, wood finishing, frame making, router usage, and mass production techniques.
While a college degree may not be required to begin working as a cabinetmaker, the more training students receive, the more they may stand out to employers. Some community or vocational colleges may offer an associate's degree program in cabinetmaking. These programs prepare students for fine woodworking and can take approximately two years to complete.
Step 2: Be Aware of Job Dangers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, woodworking jobs can come with potential harms and dangers. Cabinetmakers often carry heavy materials, which can lead to physical strain. The need to stand and lift heavy objects is also common. Cabinetmakers typically work in loud, dusty environments and must wear special safety equipment to prevent injury. Common injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome and back soreness, which can be caused by overexertion, repetition of certain movements, and bending.
Being aware of the dangers involved with cabinetmaking can keep professionals safe. Cabinetmakers should utilize the woodworking safety gear available, which includes gloves, earplugs, and goggles. Also, proper ventilation systems can minimize the effects of harmful dust and fumes in the workplace.
Step 3: Gain Experience
It is vital for cabinetmakers to gain experience in order to become skilled workers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that it takes about one year of work experience to learn the basic tasks and operations related to cabinetmaking. It can take three or more years, however, to become a skilled woodworker. Certificate and associate's degree programs also provide vital hands-on instruction that can help cabinetmakers become more skilled and possibly decrease some of the work experience requirements.
Step 4: Earn Voluntary Certification
While not required, earning voluntary certification can show a cabinetmaker's expertise and may lead to career advancement. Organizations that offer relevant certifications include the Architectural Woodwork Institute and the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America.
So, while cabinetmakers are not technically required to complete any formal education, gaining some training can help them advance in their careers
