Cabinetmakers

Overview
Employment prospects
Education and training

Overview

Cabinetmakers use a variety of woods and laminates to construct and repair wooden cabinets, furniture, fixtures and related products. They are employed by furniture manufacturing or repair companies, construction companies and cabinetmaking contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Study plans, specifications or drawings of articles to be made, or prepare specifications

  • Mark outlines or dimensions of parts on wood

  • Operate woodworking machines, such as power saws, jointers, mortisers and shapers, and use hand tools to cut, shape and form parts and components

  • Trim joints and fit parts and subassemblies together to form complete unit using glue and clamps and reinforce joints using nails, screws or other fasteners

  • Sand wooden surfaces and apply veneer, stain or polish to finished products

  • Repair or restyle wooden furniture, fixtures and related products

  • May estimate amount, type and cost of materials required.

Job titles

  • cabinetmaker
  • cabinetmaker apprentice
  • custom frame and mirror assembler
  • custom piano case maker
  • custom wood furniture maker
  • custom wooden desk maker

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2023 edition

Annual salary

Low

$41,608

Median

$51,097

High

$66,739

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

365

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school or college courses in cabinetmaking is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified cabinetmakers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
  • Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories.

Additional information

  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
  • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.

Certification requirements

Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Cabinetmakers in B.C.

  • Skilled Trades Certification - Cabinetmakers
  • Cabinetmaker Red Seal Certification

Skilled Trades Certification - Cabinetmakers

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as a cabinetmaker in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.

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Cabinetmaker Red Seal Certification

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.

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Post-secondary programs in B.C.

Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.

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