Cabinet Installer Salary in the USA: Average Pay and Salary by State

If you are looking for a Cabinet Installer salary in the USA, this job can be a good option for people who like hands-on work and do not want to spend all day sitting at a desk. A cabinet installer puts kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, storage units and other built-in cabinets in homes and commercial places. The average Cabinet Installer salary can change a lot depending on the state, experience, type of project and company. In some areas a beginner may start around the lower end of the pay range, while an experienced installer who can handle custom cabinets, measurements and difficult job sites can make much more. In this guide, we look at Cabinet Installer salary, hourly pay, Cabinet Installer salary by state, starting salary, experienced pay and some of the main things that can help an installer earn better money in the USA.

What Is the Average Cabinet Installer Salary in the USA?

Cabinet Installer salary in the United States is not one fixed number. Different salary websites can show different averages because they collect information in different ways. Current salary data shows a wide range for this occupation. Salary.com reports an average Cabinet Installer salary of about $64,189 per year, or around $31 per hour, while ZipRecruiter reports a lower nationwide estimate of about $49,629 per year. This difference is normal in salary research because job titles, locations, experience and employer data can be different from one source to another.

For someone searching online for how much a Cabinet Installer makes, it is better to look at the whole range instead of only one salary number. A person working on basic residential installation may earn differently from an installer doing high-end custom kitchens. Location also matters a lot. Washington, D.C., Washington, New York and Massachusetts are among the higher-paying locations in the current state estimates, while some Southern states show lower average pay.

Cabinet Installer Salary by State

The table below gives an estimated annual Cabinet Installer salary for each U.S. state. These numbers are useful for comparing pay from one state to another, but actual job offers can be higher or lower depending on experience, employer, overtime, project type and local demand.

What Does a Cabinet Installer Do?

A Cabinet Installer is the person who takes cabinets and makes sure they are properly installed at the customer job site. The work can look simple when you see the finished kitchen, but there is actually a lot of detail behind it. Cabinets need to be measured, leveled, aligned and secured correctly. Even a small mistake can make doors look uneven or leave gaps between cabinets.

Cabinet installers can work in new homes, remodeling projects, apartments, offices, stores and other buildings. Some installers mainly install standard kitchen cabinets, while others work with custom cabinets where every piece may have a different size.

• Measure walls, floors and cabinet spaces before installation
• Install kitchen and bathroom cabinets
• Level and align cabinets correctly
• Attach cabinets securely to walls and other supports
• Install cabinet doors, drawers, handles and hardware
• Make small adjustments when walls or floors are not perfectly straight
• Check the finished installation before leaving the job

How Much Does a Cabinet Installer Make Per Hour?

Cabinet Installer hourly pay depends on the location and the worker's experience. Current Salary.com data puts the average hourly pay around $31, with many workers falling roughly between $25 and $38 per hour. The lower and higher ends can be quite different, so a new installer should not expect the same hourly wage as someone who has been doing custom cabinet work for many years.

Hourly pay is also not always the full picture. Some cabinet installers work overtime, receive bonuses, or are paid based on the project. An installer who works directly with customers or has strong finishing skills may also have a better chance to negotiate pay.

Cabinet Installer Starting Salary

The Cabinet Installer starting salary is usually lower than the pay of an experienced installer. A person entering this trade may begin by helping an experienced installer, carrying materials, preparing tools, measuring areas and learning how cabinets are fitted. After getting more hands-on experience, the worker can start handling complete installations.

One good thing about this type of job is that a person can build useful skills without needing a long college education. Many workers learn through practical experience, on-the-job training or related woodworking and construction work. The better you become at measurements, tools, leveling and problem solving, the more valuable you can become to an employer.

Entry Level Cabinet Installer Salary

An entry-level Cabinet Installer may earn less than the national average because they are still learning the trade. The exact starting pay can depend on whether the job is with a small local cabinet company, a remodeling contractor, a large home improvement company or a custom woodworking business.

New workers normally have to learn the job from the ground up. It is not only about putting screws into a cabinet. The installer needs to understand measurements, wall conditions, cabinet layouts and how different materials behave. Good attention to small details can make a big difference in this career.

• Basic measuring skills are very important
• Knowing how to safely use hand and power tools helps
• Being able to read simple cabinet plans is useful
• Good leveling and alignment skills can increase job quality
• Being reliable and showing up on time matters a lot on construction jobs

Cabinet Installer Salary With Experience

Experience can make a noticeable difference in Cabinet Installer pay. An experienced installer usually works faster, makes fewer mistakes and can handle problems without needing someone else to solve everything. This is especially useful on remodeling jobs where walls, floors and older construction can create unexpected problems.

Experienced cabinet installers may also take on more specialized work. Custom kitchen installation, high-end residential projects and commercial cabinet installation can require more skill than basic cabinet fitting. Workers who can do accurate measurements and finish a job cleanly may have more opportunities to move into better-paying positions.

Kitchen Cabinet Installer Salary

Kitchen Cabinet Installer salary is another search term people use when looking for this career. Kitchen installation is a large part of the cabinet installation market, especially in home remodeling. The job can include base cabinets, wall cabinets, tall cabinets, islands and different types of hardware.

Current salary data for Kitchen Cabinet Installers also shows that pay can vary based on experience and location. Salary.com lists an average of about $59,026 per year for Kitchen Cabinet Installer, with the middle range around $52,363 to $65,163. This shows why it is better to compare several sources instead of using one number as the only expected salary.

What Skills Can Help a Cabinet Installer Earn More?

Cabinet installation is a hands-on trade, so practical skills can be more useful than having a long list of certificates. A worker who can measure correctly and install cabinets without damaging walls or expensive materials can be very valuable to a contractor.

• Accurate measuring and layout
• Experience with power tools
• Understanding of cabinet hardware
• Good knowledge of levels and alignment
• Basic woodworking skills
• Ability to read installation plans
• Problem solving at difficult job sites
• Good communication with customers and contractors

Does Location Affect Cabinet Installer Salary?

Yes, location can have a big effect on Cabinet Installer salary. The current state estimates show a noticeable difference between the highest and lowest paying states. Washington, New York, Massachusetts, Alaska and North Dakota are among the states with higher estimated annual pay in the current data, while Florida, West Virginia, Arkansas and Georgia are lower on the list.

But salary alone should not decide where someone works. The cost of living, housing, transportation and amount of available work also matter. A higher salary in an expensive city may not always leave more money in your pocket than a slightly lower salary in a cheaper area.

Cabinet Installer Salary in High-Paying States

Some states offer better Cabinet Installer salary than others. This can happen because of higher construction activity, remodeling demand, local wages and the cost of living. States like Washington, New York and Massachusetts are showing higher salary estimates in the current data. For an installer with good experience, these markets can be worth looking at, especially when there are steady kitchen remodeling and custom cabinet jobs.

Washington Cabinet Installer Salary

Washington is one of the stronger states for Cabinet Installer pay, with the current estimate at around $56,210 per year. The state has a good amount of residential construction and home improvement work. Cabinet installers working around larger cities may find more opportunities, although housing and other daily costs can also be higher.

• Estimated annual salary: about $56,210
• Custom cabinet experience can help with higher-paying jobs
• Remodeling work can provide steady demand
• Large metro areas may have more job openings

New York Cabinet Installer Salary

New York has an estimated Cabinet Installer salary of about $54,296 per year. Installers in the state may work on apartment renovations, kitchens, bathrooms and commercial projects. In busy areas, an experienced installer who can work independently may have better earning opportunities than a new worker.

Massachusetts Cabinet Installer Salary

Massachusetts is also near the higher end of the current state salary list, with an estimated annual pay of around $54,201. Cabinet installers can find work through remodeling companies, construction contractors and custom woodworking businesses. Experience with detailed finish work can be especially useful for higher-end residential projects.

Alaska Cabinet Installer Salary

Alaska shows an estimated Cabinet Installer salary of about $53,448 per year. Work conditions and location can be very different from other states, but skilled trades can still be valuable in areas where experienced workers are needed. Travel and job-site conditions may also be something workers need to consider before accepting a position.

Vermont Cabinet Installer Salary

Vermont has an estimated annual Cabinet Installer salary of around $52,768. Smaller markets can have fewer jobs than large states, but an installer with a good reputation may get work from local contractors and remodeling companies. Custom home projects can also create opportunities for workers with strong woodworking skills.

Cabinet Installer Salary in Lower-Paying States

Not every state has the same salary level. States such as Florida, West Virginia, Arkansas and Michigan show lower estimates in the current state data. This does not mean every Cabinet Installer job in these states pays low. An experienced worker, union employee or person working on custom projects can still earn above the local average.

Florida Cabinet Installer Salary

Florida has an estimated Cabinet Installer salary of about $37,087 per year in the current state data. Florida has a large residential housing and remodeling market, which can create plenty of installation work. However, the amount a worker actually earns can depend strongly on the city, employer and experience.

A cabinet installer in Florida may work on new homes, kitchen replacements, bathroom cabinets and renovation projects. Workers who can complete jobs quickly and keep the finished work clean may have an advantage when looking for repeat work.

West Virginia Cabinet Installer Salary

West Virginia has an estimated annual salary of around $38,421 for Cabinet Installers. Smaller local markets can have fewer openings, but local contractors and home remodeling businesses still need skilled workers. For someone starting in the trade, working with an experienced contractor can be a good way to build skills.

Arkansas Cabinet Installer Salary

Arkansas shows an estimated Cabinet Installer salary of about $41,038 per year. The actual pay can move higher with experience in custom installation, woodworking and remodeling. Workers who can handle a project without needing constant supervision may have more options when looking for better-paying jobs.

Georgia Cabinet Installer Salary

Georgia has an estimated annual Cabinet Installer salary of around $41,906. Construction and home improvement activity can provide opportunities for installers, especially around growing cities and suburban areas. Experience with kitchen remodeling and residential construction can be useful when applying for jobs.

Cabinet Installer Pay by Experience Level

Experience is one of the biggest things that can change Cabinet Installer pay. A beginner normally needs time to learn how to measure, level and install cabinets properly. An experienced installer can often complete the same job faster and deal with problems that come up at the job site.

• Entry level: Usually starts toward the lower end of the local pay range.
• Early career: Pay can increase as the installer becomes comfortable with tools and complete installations.
• Experienced: Skilled installers may qualify for better-paying residential and commercial jobs.
• Highly skilled: Custom cabinet installation and difficult remodeling projects can offer stronger earning potential.

How Much Does a Cabinet Installer Make a Year?

So, how much does a Cabinet Installer make a year? There is no single answer for every worker. Current salary sources put the U.S. average in roughly the $50,000 to $64,000 range, depending on the source and how the occupation is measured. Salary.com currently reports about $64,189 as its average Cabinet Installer salary, while ZipRecruiter reports about $49,629.

These numbers should be treated as salary estimates rather than a promise of what every installer will make. Someone new to the trade can be below these figures, while an experienced installer in a strong market can earn above them. Overtime, bonuses, project-based pay and self-employment can also change yearly income.

Cabinet Installer Hourly Pay

Hourly pay is common for cabinet installation jobs. Salary.com currently estimates average Cabinet Installer hourly pay at around $31 per hour. The actual hourly wage can be lower for entry-level workers and higher for experienced installers with specialized skills.

For example, an installer who earns $25 per hour and works a regular 40-hour week would have a basic annual wage of about $52,000 before taxes, assuming 52 weeks of work. At $30 per hour, the same schedule would be about $62,400 per year. Overtime can increase the total.

• $20 per hour = about $41,600 per year
• $25 per hour = about $52,000 per year
• $30 per hour = about $62,400 per year
• $35 per hour = about $72,800 per year

These examples are simple full-time calculations and do not include taxes, unpaid time off, overtime or benefits.

Cabinet Installation Salary for Residential Jobs

Residential cabinet installation is one of the most common types of work in this trade. Installers may work in new houses, apartments, condos and home remodeling projects. Kitchen cabinets are especially common, but bathroom vanities, laundry room storage and built-in cabinets can also be part of the job.

Residential work can be different from one project to another. A basic cabinet replacement may be fairly straightforward, while an older home can have uneven walls and floors that make installation harder. The installer needs to adjust the cabinets while still keeping everything level and looking clean.

• Kitchen cabinet installation
• Bathroom vanity installation
• Custom storage cabinets
• Home remodeling projects
• New home construction
• Built-in cabinet installation

Custom Cabinet Installer Salary

Custom cabinet installation can be a more specialized part of the trade. Custom cabinets are made for a specific room or customer, so the installer may need to work with unusual sizes, special materials and detailed designs. This type of work can require more patience and accuracy than standard cabinet installation.

A worker who becomes good at custom installations may be able to target higher-end remodeling companies and woodworking shops. However, higher pay is not automatic. The installer still needs to have the skills and experience that the employer or customer is looking for.

What Can Increase a Cabinet Installer Salary?

There are several things that can help a Cabinet Installer move toward better pay. The biggest one is usually becoming someone who can be trusted to finish a job correctly without needing a lot of supervision. Contractors care about quality because mistakes with cabinets can be expensive to fix.

• Several years of hands-on installation experience
• Custom cabinet installation skills
• Strong measuring and layout ability
• Good woodworking knowledge
• Experience with different cabinet materials
• Ability to solve uneven wall and floor problems
• Knowledge of cabinet hardware and fittings
• Clean and professional finished work
• Ability to work independently
• Good communication with homeowners and contractors

Cabinet Installer Jobs and Employment Options

Cabinet installers do not all work for the same type of company. Some are hired by cabinet manufacturers, some work for remodeling contractors and others work for home improvement companies. There are also installers who become independent contractors after building enough experience and customer connections.

Working for a company can provide more regular hours and benefits, while independent work can give a skilled installer more control over pricing and projects. But self-employment also means the worker has to find customers, manage tools and transportation, handle business costs and deal with taxes.

Common Places Cabinet Installers Work

• Cabinet manufacturing companies
• Kitchen remodeling companies
• Home improvement contractors
• Residential construction companies
• Commercial construction contractors
• Custom woodworking shops
• Independent installation businesses

Cabinet Installer vs Carpenter Salary

Cabinet installation and carpentry are closely related trades, but they are not exactly the same job. A carpenter may work on framing, doors, trim, floors and many other parts of a building. A Cabinet Installer is more focused on fitting and installing cabinets and related products.

Because the jobs are different, salary comparisons should be made carefully. A carpenter with broad construction skills may have more types of work available, while a cabinet installer with strong specialized skills can build a good career in remodeling and custom cabinet work.

Is Cabinet Installation a Good Career?

Cabinet installation can be a good career for someone who enjoys practical work and likes seeing a finished result at the end of the day. It does involve physical work, carrying materials, bending, kneeling and using tools, so it is not an easy desk job.

The trade also gives workers a chance to build skills over time. Someone can start as a helper, learn from experienced workers and eventually take responsibility for complete installations. With enough experience, a person may also move into custom work, supervision or independent contracting.

How to Become a Cabinet Installer

There is not always one single path to become a Cabinet Installer. Many people enter this work by starting as a helper and learning from an experienced installer. Some also come into the trade after working in carpentry, woodworking, construction or home remodeling. This is one reason hands-on experience is very important in this job.

A new worker does not need to know everything on the first day. The basic goal is to learn the tools, understand measurements and slowly take more responsibility. After some time, a person can move from helping with installations to doing complete jobs.

• Start with a cabinet installation or construction helper job
• Learn how to safely use hand and power tools
• Practice accurate measuring and marking
• Learn how to level and align cabinets
• Understand basic cabinet hardware and fittings
• Build experience with kitchen and bathroom installations
• Learn how to handle common problems at job sites

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Cabinet Installer?

A college degree is normally not required for a Cabinet Installer job. This is mainly a skilled hands-on trade where practical ability matters. Employers may look for previous installation, carpentry or construction experience instead of a college education.

Some people may take vocational classes or woodworking training before getting a job. This can help, but real job-site experience is still very important. A person who knows how to use tools safely and can follow measurements correctly can learn the trade faster.

Cabinet Installer Training

Cabinet Installer training can happen in several ways. Many workers learn directly on the job. An experienced installer may show a new worker how to prepare the area, position cabinets, use shims, check levels and secure everything properly.

Training can become more advanced as the worker gains experience. After learning standard cabinet installation, the installer can start working on custom layouts, difficult walls, islands and more detailed finish work.

• On-the-job training
• Apprenticeship or trade training
• Carpentry classes
• Woodworking programs
• Construction skills training
• Manufacturer installation training

Tools Used by Cabinet Installers

A Cabinet Installer needs different hand and power tools to complete the job. The exact tools can depend on the company and the type of cabinets being installed. Good tools can make the work faster, but knowing how to use them correctly is more important than simply having expensive equipment.

• Tape measure
• Level
• Drill and driver
• Screwdrivers
• Clamps
• Stud finder
• Shims
• Utility knife
• Jigsaw or other cutting tools
• Safety glasses and other protective equipment

Cabinet Installer Salary and Overtime Pay

Overtime can make a difference in total Cabinet Installer income, especially when a company has busy remodeling or construction projects. An installer who is paid hourly may have the opportunity to work extra hours when projects need to be completed on schedule.

However, overtime is not guaranteed and it depends on the employer, local rules and workload. A worker should look at the complete compensation package instead of judging a job only by its hourly wage.

Cabinet Installer Benefits and Other Compensation

Cabinet Installer jobs can come with different benefits depending on the employer. A small local contractor may offer a different package than a large construction or home improvement company. Some workers may receive benefits in addition to their basic salary, while independent installers normally have to handle these costs themselves.

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plans
• Overtime pay
• Performance bonuses
• Paid holidays
• Tool or travel allowances in some jobs

When comparing Cabinet Installer jobs, it is worth checking the whole package. A job with a slightly lower hourly rate but good health insurance and paid time off can sometimes be better than a job with higher hourly pay and no benefits.

Can a Cabinet Installer Become Self-Employed?

Yes, experienced Cabinet Installers can choose to work independently. Some workers start their own small installation business after building experience and connections with contractors, homeowners and cabinet suppliers. This can provide more control over which projects they accept and how they charge customers.

But running a cabinet installation business is different from simply being an employee. The installer has to find customers, provide estimates, buy or maintain tools, manage transportation and take care of business expenses. There can also be slow periods when fewer projects are available.

For an experienced worker with good workmanship and customer service, independent work can create a higher income opportunity. But the income is less predictable, so it is important to understand the business side before making the move.

How Much Can an Experienced Cabinet Installer Make?

An experienced Cabinet Installer can make more than the average salary when they have strong skills and work in a good market. Custom work, difficult installations, commercial projects and independent contracting can all create opportunities for higher earnings.

Still, there is no guaranteed salary level for an experienced installer. Pay depends on the employer, location, number of working hours and type of projects. Someone working in a high-cost market may earn more in dollars but also spend more on housing and other expenses.

Cabinet Installer Career Growth

Cabinet installation does not have to be the final step of a person's career. After gaining several years of experience, an installer can move into other positions depending on their skills and interests. Some stay in installation because they like hands-on work, while others move toward supervision or business ownership.

• Cabinet Installer
• Lead Cabinet Installer
• Senior Installer
• Cabinet Installation Supervisor
• Kitchen Remodeling Specialist
• Custom Cabinet Installer
• Carpenter
• Remodeling Contractor
• Independent Cabinet Installer

Cabinet Installer Salary Compared With Other Skilled Trades

Cabinet installation is part of a larger group of skilled trade careers. People often compare Cabinet Installer salary with carpenter, flooring installer, tile installer and other construction jobs. The right career depends on what type of work a person enjoys and which skills they want to build.

Cabinet installation can be attractive because it combines construction work with detailed finishing. The installer has to be comfortable with physical work but also needs patience and a good eye for small details. A crooked cabinet or uneven door can be noticed very quickly by a homeowner.

What Makes a Good Cabinet Installer?

A good Cabinet Installer is not only someone who can use a drill. The job needs patience, accuracy and the ability to solve problems when the real job site does not look like the plan. Homes are not always perfectly square, and older buildings can have uneven walls and floors.

• Works carefully instead of rushing the job
• Checks measurements more than once
• Keeps cabinets level and properly aligned
• Protects walls, floors and finished surfaces
• Communicates clearly with customers and contractors
• Keeps the work area reasonably clean
• Can find practical solutions to installation problems

Is Cabinet Installer a Good Job in the USA?

For people who enjoy working with their hands, Cabinet Installer can be a solid trade job in the USA. The work does not normally require a four-year college degree, and workers can build their skills through practical training and experience. There are also different directions to grow, including custom installation, carpentry, remodeling and independent contracting.

The main downside is that the work can be physical. Installers may spend long periods standing, kneeling, bending and lifting cabinet parts. Job sites can also be dusty or busy. Someone considering this career should be comfortable with that type of work.

Final Thoughts on Cabinet Installer Salary

Cabinet Installer salary in the USA can vary quite a bit from one worker and state to another. Current salary estimates put the national average in a broad range, with Salary.com reporting about $64,189 per year and ZipRecruiter reporting about $49,629. State-level estimates also show clear differences, with some states offering higher average pay than others.

The most important point is that salary is only one part of the career. Experience, custom installation skills, location, overtime, employer benefits and the type of projects can all change what a Cabinet Installer actually earns. Someone starting out may begin at a lower wage and gradually move up as their skills improve.

For a person who likes practical work, woodworking, home improvement and seeing a finished project, cabinet installation can be a useful skilled trade to consider. With experience, a Cabinet Installer can take on more difficult projects, move into lead or supervisory work, or even build an independent installation business.