Cabinet Maker Salary in the USA: Average Pay and Salary by State
If you are looking for a Cabinet Maker salary in the USA, the pay can be pretty different depending on your state, experience, skills, and the type of cabinets you make. A cabinet maker usually works with wood, plywood, panels, tools and woodworking machines to build kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, furniture parts, custom storage and other wood products. In 2025, the national median wage for cabinetmakers and bench carpenters was about $46,680 per year, or around $22.44 per hour. Some experienced workers can earn more than $60,000 a year, while entry-level cabinet makers and workers in lower-paying areas may earn less. This Cabinet Maker Salary guide looks at average cabinet maker pay, hourly wages, starting salary, salary by state and how much a cabinet maker can make in the United States.
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Cabinet Maker Salary in the United States
A Cabinet Maker salary is not the same everywhere in the country. A person working in California, New York, Massachusetts or another high-cost area may see a higher wage than someone doing the same work in a smaller local market. The type of employer also matters. A cabinet maker working for a custom cabinet shop can have a different pay level than someone working in furniture manufacturing or a larger woodworking company.
According to recent U.S. labor data, cabinetmakers and bench carpenters have a national median annual wage of about $46,680. The median hourly wage is about $22.44. The lower end of the occupation is around $35,650 per year, while the top 10 percent can earn around $63,720 or more. These numbers give a better idea of the normal Cabinet Maker pay range, but actual income can move up or down based on experience, location, overtime and skills.
State Wise Cabinet Maker Salary
The table below shows the median annual salary for Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters in U.S. states. These state figures are useful when comparing Cabinet Maker salary by state and checking where the job may pay better.
| State | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $39,710 |
| Alaska | N/A |
| Arizona | $43,930 |
| Arkansas | $48,600 |
| California | $47,870 |
| Colorado | $47,920 |
| Connecticut | $53,010 |
| Delaware | $53,830 |
| Florida | $46,870 |
| Georgia | $42,210 |
| Hawaii | $47,650 |
| Idaho | $44,490 |
| Illinois | $51,110 |
| Indiana | $38,750 |
| Iowa | $46,640 |
| Kansas | $38,800 |
| Kentucky | $39,200 |
| Louisiana | $43,920 |
| Maine | $46,230 |
| Maryland | $57,200 |
| Massachusetts | $53,620 |
| Michigan | $46,640 |
| Minnesota | $47,330 |
| Mississippi | $38,460 |
| Missouri | $45,130 |
| Montana | $47,170 |
| Nebraska | $42,400 |
| Nevada | $49,270 |
| New Hampshire | $49,430 |
| New Jersey | $51,430 |
| New Mexico | $44,740 |
| New York | $57,550 |
| North Carolina | $42,680 |
| North Dakota | $48,420 |
| Ohio | $48,160 |
| Oklahoma | $37,630 |
| Oregon | $46,600 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,320 |
| Rhode Island | $51,140 |
| South Carolina | $46,890 |
| South Dakota | $43,460 |
| Tennessee | $41,600 |
| Texas | $39,070 |
| Utah | $46,750 |
| Vermont | $52,150 |
| Virginia | $45,260 |
| Washington | $46,920 |
| West Virginia | $37,690 |
| Wisconsin | $46,150 |
| Wyoming | $38,800 |
How Much Does a Cabinet Maker Make?
So, how much does a Cabinet Maker make in the USA? For a simple answer, the national median is around $46,680 per year based on the latest 2025 wage data. But this is not a fixed salary for every worker. A new worker may start at a lower wage, while a cabinet maker with years of shop experience, good finishing skills and the ability to work from detailed drawings can move into a higher pay range.
Cabinet making is one of those jobs where practical skill can make a real difference. A person who can measure correctly, use woodworking machines safely, understand plans and produce clean finished work can become more valuable to a shop. Custom work can also be different from basic production work because customers may want special sizes, designs, wood types and finishes.
- Entry-level cabinet makers usually start at a lower hourly wage.
- Experienced cabinet makers can earn more as their skills improve.
- Custom cabinet work may offer better pay in some local markets.
- Overtime can increase total yearly earnings.
- Location and local demand can have a big effect on Cabinet Maker salary.
Cabinet Maker Hourly Pay
Many people searching for Cabinet Maker salary are also interested in hourly pay. The national median hourly wage for cabinetmakers and bench carpenters is about $22.44 per hour. That does not mean every cabinet maker gets exactly this amount. Some workers make less when they are starting out, while skilled workers can move into the upper part of the wage range.
Hourly pay is also useful for comparing job offers. For example, a job offering $20 per hour may look simple at first, but the final yearly income can be different if the employer provides regular overtime, health benefits, paid holidays or other benefits. On the other side, a higher hourly rate may come with fewer hours or less steady work.
Cabinet Maker Starting Salary
A Cabinet Maker starting salary depends on the employer and how much woodworking experience the person already has. Someone coming into the trade with no shop experience may begin with basic cutting, sanding, assembly and material handling work. With time, the worker may take on more difficult cabinet construction and machine operation.
Starting as a cabinet maker does not always mean a person stays at entry-level pay for many years. Learning to read drawings, measure accurately and work with different materials can help a worker move up. Some employers also value workers who can operate CNC machines or handle more advanced woodworking equipment.
What Does a Cabinet Maker Do?
A cabinet maker builds and prepares wooden products used in homes, businesses, furniture and other spaces. The daily work can be hands-on and may include measuring materials, cutting wood, joining parts, sanding surfaces and assembling finished pieces. Depending on the shop, the job may be mostly custom work or it may involve making many similar cabinet parts in a production setting.
- Measure and cut wood or wood-based materials.
- Build cabinet boxes, doors, drawers and other parts.
- Use hand tools and power woodworking machines.
- Read drawings, measurements and work orders.
- Sand and prepare surfaces for finishing.
- Check finished cabinets for size, fit and quality.
Cabinet Maker Salary Based on Experience
Experience is one of the main things that can change a Cabinet Maker salary. A person who is just learning the trade normally earns less than someone who has been working in a cabinet shop for many years. With experience, a cabinet maker can usually handle more detailed jobs, work with less supervision and finish projects faster. These skills can help when asking for a higher wage or moving to a better paying company.
There is also a difference between simply having years on the job and having useful experience. A worker who knows how to build custom cabinets, understand shop drawings, use different machines and fix fitting problems may have more earning power than someone doing only basic assembly work.
- Entry-level: Basic cutting, sanding, assembly and shop support work.
- Mid-level: More independent cabinet building and machine operation.
- Experienced: Custom work, detailed measurements, installation support and quality checking.
- Advanced skilled worker: May handle difficult custom projects, CNC equipment or supervise other workers.
Custom Cabinet Maker Salary
A Custom Cabinet Maker can have a different earning level than a worker making standard cabinets in a large production facility. Custom cabinet work often requires more attention to measurements, design details and the final appearance of the product. Every job may not be exactly the same, especially when cabinets are made for older homes, unusual room sizes or high-end residential projects.
Custom cabinet makers may work with different types of wood, plywood, veneers, hardware and finishes. They may also communicate with contractors, homeowners or designers about the project. Because of this, a person with strong woodworking skills and good attention to detail can sometimes find better paying opportunities in custom shops.
However, custom work does not automatically mean a high salary. Pay still depends on the area, employer, workload and the worker's actual skill level. A small local cabinet shop may pay differently from a high-end woodworking company in a large city.
Cabinet Maker Salary Per Hour
For workers who are paid hourly, Cabinet Maker salary per hour is an important part of comparing jobs. The national median hourly wage for cabinetmakers and bench carpenters is about $22.44 per hour based on recent federal wage data. The actual hourly rate can be below or above this number depending on experience and location.
Hourly Cabinet Maker pay can also change when overtime is available. A shop that has a busy season may offer extra hours, while another company may have a more regular schedule. This is why looking only at the hourly number does not always tell the full story about yearly income.
For example, two cabinet makers may have similar hourly rates but different yearly earnings. One may work regular overtime throughout the year, while another may work fewer hours. Benefits such as health insurance, paid time off and retirement plans can also make one job more valuable than another.
Average Cabinet Maker Salary by Work Setting
Where a cabinet maker works can make a difference in both daily duties and pay. Some cabinet makers work in small woodworking shops where they may be involved in many parts of a project. Others work in larger manufacturing facilities where each worker may focus on one stage of production.
Residential custom cabinet shops can involve more detailed work. Furniture and wood product manufacturing may have more production-based duties. Cabinet installation companies can also look for workers who understand both cabinet construction and how cabinets fit in a real home.
- Custom cabinet shop: More detailed and made-to-order projects.
- Furniture manufacturing: More production-based woodworking work.
- Home remodeling company: Cabinets may be part of larger renovation projects.
- Cabinet installation business: Focus can include fitting and installing finished cabinets.
- Self-employed cabinet maker: Income can depend on customers, pricing and the number of projects.
Highest Paying States for Cabinet Makers
State location can have a noticeable effect on Cabinet Maker salary. In the state wage data, some states show a median wage above the national level, while others have lower median pay. States such as New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware and Connecticut appear toward the higher end of the state comparison shown above.
But a higher salary should always be looked at together with the cost of living. A Cabinet Maker salary of $55,000 in one area may not give the same buying power as $50,000 in another location. Housing, transportation, taxes and everyday expenses can all change the real value of a salary.
Cabinet Maker Jobs in California
California has a large construction, remodeling and home improvement market, which can create opportunities for skilled woodworking workers. The median Cabinet Maker salary listed for California in the state wage data is about $47,870 per year.
Pay can still be different from one part of California to another. Large metropolitan areas may have more demand for custom home work, but living costs can also be much higher. Someone considering a Cabinet Maker job in California should look at the hourly rate, expected working hours and local living costs before deciding on an offer.
- Custom residential cabinet work
- Kitchen and bathroom remodeling
- Furniture and woodworking shops
- Construction and home improvement companies
Cabinet Maker Jobs in Texas
Texas is another state where construction and home improvement work can create demand for cabinet and woodworking skills. The state median salary shown in the wage data is about $39,070 per year. Actual Cabinet Maker pay can vary by employer and city.
Cabinet makers in Texas may find work with custom cabinet shops, remodeling businesses, furniture manufacturers and contractors. Workers who can handle installation or understand construction work may have more options when looking for a job.
Cabinet Maker Jobs in New York
New York is among the states with a higher median Cabinet Maker wage in the state comparison, at about $57,550 per year. The state has a mix of residential remodeling, commercial construction, furniture and custom woodworking work.
New York also has major differences in living costs from one area to another. A salary that looks high on paper may need to be compared with rent, transportation and other local expenses. Experienced cabinet makers with strong custom woodworking skills may have better opportunities in markets where high-end residential and commercial work is common.
Cabinet Maker Jobs in Maryland
Maryland shows a median Cabinet Maker salary of about $57,200 per year in the state wage data. This puts the state near the upper end of the state comparison. Cabinet makers may find opportunities in residential construction, remodeling, custom woodworking and related manufacturing work.
Experience can be especially useful for workers looking for better-paying jobs. Someone who can read plans, work accurately with measurements and produce finished cabinets with good quality may have more choices than a beginner.
Cabinet Maker Jobs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a median salary of around $53,620 for cabinetmakers and bench carpenters in the state data. The state has both older homes that need remodeling and newer residential and commercial projects, which can create different types of woodworking work.
Cabinet makers working in Massachusetts should also compare salary with local housing and other living expenses. A higher wage can be helpful, but the final value of the job depends on the complete compensation package and the local cost of living.
Cabinet Maker Skills That Can Help Increase Pay
Not every cabinet maker has the same skill set. Some workers mainly do basic production tasks, while others can take a project from a drawing to a finished cabinet. Employers may pay more for workers who can perform difficult work without needing constant supervision.
- Accurate measuring and layout
- Reading cabinet drawings and plans
- Operating table saws and other woodworking machines
- CNC machine operation
- Cabinet assembly
- Door and drawer construction
- Wood sanding and finishing preparation
- Understanding different wood and sheet materials
- Problem solving when parts do not fit correctly
- Basic cabinet installation knowledge
Cabinet Maker vs Carpenter Salary
Cabinet makers and carpenters both work with wood, but the jobs are not exactly the same. A carpenter may work on framing, doors, trim, construction and many other parts of a building. A cabinet maker normally spends more time making cabinets, furniture components and detailed wood products in a shop.
The salary can also be different because the occupations have different duties, industries and local demand. Someone choosing between the two careers should look at the type of work they enjoy, training requirements, job availability and long-term earning opportunities rather than choosing only from one salary number.
How to Earn More as a Cabinet Maker
There are several practical ways a cabinet maker can work toward higher pay. The first is getting better at the work itself. Fast and accurate workers who produce clean finished products can become more valuable to an employer. Learning newer equipment can also open doors to jobs that require additional technical skills.
Some cabinet makers also move into lead worker, supervisor, estimator or project-related positions after gaining enough experience. Others decide to start a small cabinet making business. Self-employment can offer higher income potential, but it also comes with material costs, customer management, equipment expenses and business risk.
- Learn CNC and computer-controlled woodworking equipment.
- Improve cabinet installation skills.
- Learn how to read detailed shop drawings.
- Build experience in custom and high-end cabinet work.
- Take on more responsibility in the shop.
- Compare pay between local employers before changing jobs.
- Consider estimating or supervisory work after gaining experience.
Entry Level Cabinet Maker Salary
People searching for an entry level Cabinet Maker salary should know that beginners normally do not start at the same pay as an experienced cabinet maker. New workers may begin with basic shop duties and learn the trade while working. Cutting materials, sanding, cleaning, assembling parts and helping experienced workers can be part of the first stage of the job.
The starting pay can depend on the local job market and the employer. A person who already has woodworking experience, trade school training or experience using power tools may have a better starting point. The good thing about this trade is that practical skills can be learned over time, and pay can improve as the worker becomes more independent.
Experienced Cabinet Maker Salary
An experienced Cabinet Maker can earn considerably more than a beginner, especially when the worker can handle complicated projects without much help. Experienced workers may build custom cabinets, work from detailed plans, operate advanced equipment and solve problems during production.
Some experienced cabinet makers also take responsibility for checking finished products, training newer workers or coordinating parts of a project. These extra responsibilities can help when looking for a higher-paying position.
- Several years of hands-on woodworking experience
- Strong knowledge of cabinet construction
- Ability to work from drawings and measurements
- Experience with advanced woodworking machines
- Custom cabinet and furniture-making skills
- Good finishing and quality-control skills
How Much Does a Cabinet Maker Make a Year?
So, how much does a Cabinet Maker make a year? The national median annual wage for cabinetmakers and bench carpenters is around $46,680 based on recent 2025 federal wage data. That works out to about $3,890 per month before taxes if the yearly amount is simply divided by 12.
This is a median figure, not a guaranteed salary. Some workers earn less than this amount and some earn much more. The highest-paid workers can reach the upper end of the occupation's wage range, particularly when they have strong skills, experience and work in a market with good demand.
Cabinet Maker Salary Per Month
When people compare jobs, they sometimes search for Cabinet Maker salary per month instead of yearly pay. A national median wage of $46,680 works out to roughly $3,890 per month before taxes. Actual monthly take-home pay will be lower after federal, state and other deductions.
Monthly income can also change during the year if a worker gets overtime, works fewer hours or has periods with less work. This is common in many hands-on trades, so it is better to compare the complete yearly compensation instead of looking only at one month's paycheck.
Cabinet Maker Salary by City
Cabinet Maker salary can also be different from city to city inside the same state. Large cities often have more remodeling companies, contractors, custom home builders and higher-end residential projects. Smaller towns may have fewer employers but sometimes offer lower living costs.
For someone searching for Cabinet Maker jobs, it can be useful to compare several nearby cities instead of looking at only one location. A slightly lower hourly wage in a nearby area could still work out better if rent and transportation costs are much lower.
- Check the hourly wage before accepting a job.
- Compare the cost of housing in the area.
- Look at overtime availability.
- Check whether benefits are included.
- Compare several local cabinet shops and woodworking employers.
Cabinet Maker Job Duties and Daily Work
The daily work of a cabinet maker can change depending on the shop. One day may involve cutting panels and another day may be spent assembling doors, drawers or complete cabinets. In a custom shop, workers may spend more time checking measurements because every customer project can be a little different.
The job can be physically active. Cabinet makers may stand for long periods, lift materials and work around saws, drills, sanders and other equipment. Following shop safety rules is important because woodworking machines can cause serious injuries when they are not used correctly.
Cabinet Maker Education and Training
A four-year college degree is normally not the main requirement for becoming a cabinet maker. Many people learn through hands-on training, vocational programs, apprenticeships or on-the-job experience. Some workers start in an entry-level woodworking position and learn more advanced cabinet making skills while working.
Basic math and measurement skills are very useful in this career. A small measurement mistake can create a poor fit, wasted material or a cabinet that does not work properly. Learning to read drawings and use measuring tools correctly can make a big difference in the quality of the work.
- Basic woodworking knowledge
- Measurement and math skills
- Hand and power tool experience
- Ability to read plans or drawings
- Knowledge of workplace safety
- Attention to small details
Is Cabinet Making a Good Career?
Cabinet making can be a good career for someone who likes working with their hands and enjoys making physical products. It is a practical trade where a worker can see the finished result of the work. People who like woodworking, construction and home improvement may find the job a good fit.
The career also gives workers different directions as they gain experience. A person can stay in production, move into custom cabinet work, learn installation, become a lead worker or eventually start a small woodworking business. The best option depends on the person's skills and goals.
Cabinet Maker Salary and Job Opportunities
Job opportunities for cabinet makers are connected with construction, remodeling, furniture production and other woodworking industries. Demand can be stronger in areas where homes are being built or renovated and where customers spend money on custom interiors.
Technology is also changing some cabinet shops. CNC machines and computer-controlled equipment are used by many modern manufacturers. This does not remove the need for skilled workers, but it means that cabinet makers who understand both traditional woodworking and newer technology can have an advantage in the job market.
Self-Employed Cabinet Maker Salary
A self-employed cabinet maker does not have a fixed salary in the same way an employee does. Income depends on the number of customers, project prices, material costs, equipment expenses and business overhead. A successful custom cabinet business can potentially earn more than a regular job, but the owner also takes on more risk.
Someone thinking about starting a cabinet making business should calculate the full cost of each project. Wood, plywood, hardware, finishing supplies, shop rent, electricity, machine maintenance, delivery and labor can all reduce the final profit. Good pricing and steady customers are very important for a small cabinet business.
Cabinet Maker Salary: What Can Affect Your Pay?
There is no single Cabinet Maker salary that applies to every worker in America. Pay is influenced by several things, and two people doing similar work can have different wages because they live in different states or work for different employers.
- Experience: More experience can lead to better-paying positions.
- Location: Wages can vary significantly from one state or city to another.
- Skills: Custom work, CNC operation and installation skills can improve job options.
- Employer: A small local shop and a large manufacturing company may have different pay structures.
- Overtime: Extra hours can increase total yearly earnings.
- Type of work: Custom and specialized woodworking may have different pay levels than basic production work.
Final Thoughts on Cabinet Maker Salary
Cabinet making is a hands-on skilled trade with different earning opportunities across the United States. The national median Cabinet Maker salary is around $46,680 per year, but state, experience, job type and skill level can move the actual pay quite a bit. Workers in some states can see median wages above $50,000, while other areas have lower wage levels.
For someone starting out, the first salary may not be the highest, but learning the trade can open more options over time. Custom cabinet work, CNC skills, installation knowledge and the ability to handle projects independently can all help a worker become more valuable. Before accepting a Cabinet Maker job, it is a good idea to compare the hourly rate, yearly pay, benefits, overtime and local cost of living together.
Overall, Cabinet Maker jobs can be a good choice for people who enjoy woodworking, working with tools and building things that people use in their homes and businesses. With experience and the right skills, a cabinet maker can move from basic shop work into more specialized and better-paying opportunities.
Salary source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and CareerOneStop wage data for Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters. Salary figures can change as new government wage data is released.