What does a cabinet-maker do?
A cabinet-maker is a woodwork specialist who creates the internal fittings of buildings all the way to complete bathrooms and kitchens, focusing mostly on furniture and cabinetry. Cabinet-makers take customer orders and work with them to realise their wishes by drafting feasible specifications.
A cabinet-maker also repairs existing pieces of furniture or cabinetry or adds finer details to older furniture to enhance its appearance. On a day-to-day basis, cabinet-makers measure, cut and join wood components using machinery and specialist tools, and finish off their pieces with handles, joints and other fittings.
Cabinet-maker skills and qualifications
To succeed as a cabinetmaker, strong practical woodworking skills and a keen eye for detail are essential. Look for individuals who can interpret technical drawings, use hand and power tools safely, and produce high-quality work with precision. A solid understanding of materials, joinery techniques and workplace safety standards is desirable. A successful cabinet-maker has the following skills and aptitudes:
- good with practical work and manual activities
- strong mathematical skills to perform calculations and measurements
- good hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness
- ability to operate cutting and joining tools and machines
- good knowledge of different surfaces and adhesives
- ability to work precisely with an eye for detail
- no allergies to dust or other materials
- focused on safe working practices.
Cabinet-maker experience requirements
A cabinet-maker will typically complete an apprenticeship to gain practical skills in their trade when they first start out. In addition to this, or alternatively, some cabinet-makers start in their role with no experience and learn on the job under the supervision of a more experienced colleague. You can decide how many years of experience you want your future cabinet-maker to have in order to meet your organisation’s specific requirements.
Cabinet-maker education and training requirements
Cabinet making is considered a trade in Australia, so cabinet-makers are expected to have completed at least Year 10 schooling and obtained a trade qualification in order to work as a carpenter.
Most cabinet-makers complete an apprenticeship, and in doing so, complete a qualification such as the Certificate III in Cabinet Making or the Certificate III in Furniture Making. Both are offered by TAFEs and other registered training organisations.
Cabinet-maker salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a cabinet-maker is $94,896 a year. Salary level varies according to the employer, location, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Job description samples for similar positions
There are a couple of roles that share some similarities with that of a cabinet-maker. Take a look to see if you may need to hire one of these experts instead of a cabinet-maker:
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