Cabinetmakers
(NOC 7272)
in All Trades and TransportationCabinetmakers 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.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Cabinetmakers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common.
The median employment income for 48% of Cabinetmakers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $32,970. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
$8,793
Minimum$27,005
Median$44,004
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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.
Job duties
Cabinetmakers perform 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.
Sample job titles
- cabinetmaker
- custom wood furniture maker
- furniture cabinetmaker
- journeyman/woman cabinetmaker
- wood furniture and fixtures patternmaker
- wood patternmaker
Skills
This work requires good hand-eye coordination, spatial perception, and material handling abilities. You should be in excellent physical condition and be willing to work under adverse weather conditions and at heights from ladders, staging, and rooftops. You must also be able to follow instructions and cooperate with others as part of a team. Some artistic ability is an asset.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- 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.
- Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified cabinetmakers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Other considerations
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Northern
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Textiles, Furniture and Other Manufacturing
Construction
Retail Trade
Wholesale Trade
Other Industries
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
35-44
45-54
25-34
15-24
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$26,521 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$31,351 median annual incomeLess than high school
$22,255 median annual incomeHigh school
$23,265 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$22,047 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Cabinetmaking and millwork
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to set up, operate and repair industrial woodworking machinery, and to use such machinery to design and fabricate wooden components and complete articles.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Woodworking - General
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that generally prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out and shape stock; assemble wooden articles or subassemblies; mark, bind, saw, carve, and sand wooden products; repair wooden articles, and use a variety of hand and power tools.
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, however, a certificate is not needed to legally work in this job.