Cabinetmakers
(NOC 7272)
in All Trades and TransportationCabinetmakers build, repair, finish and install custom or production-type wooden (or wood substitute) fixtures and furniture. They work for 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
Outlook: undetermined - an outlook was not determined for this occupation due to too few workers in Nova Scotia.
Size of the occupation in Nova Scotia: small with infrequent job opportunities.
Demand: Several positions will become available due to retirements.
Work hours: full-time, usually. Both permanent and temporary positions are common.
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
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Cabinetmakers build, repair, finish and install custom or production-type wooden (or wood substitute) fixtures and furniture. They work for furniture manufacturing or repair companies, construction companies, and cabinetmaking contractors, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Cabinetmakers:
- Study plans, specifications, or drawings of articles to be made, or prepare specifications.
- Mark outlines or dimensions of parts on wood.
- Use woodworking machines like 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
- journeyperson cabinetmaker
- wood furniture and fixtures patternmaker
- wood patternmaker
Skills
- Good hand-eye coordination and spatial perception
- Manual dexterity
- Mathematical ability
- Good eyesight to select woods and look for surface imperfections
- Strength and stamina
- Accuracy
- Ability to visualize a finished product from drawings, blueprints, or other specifications
Job requirements
- High school or equivalent (usually).
- A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school or college courses in cabinetmaking.
- Trade Qualifier option, 10,800 hours, and other criteria.
- Certification for cabinetmakers is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
- Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for cabinetmakers.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
Other considerations
- Cabinetmakers typically work indoors in a shop environment. They may also work at locations where the products are installed.
- Hazards include high noise levels, sawdust, chemicals, and risk of injury from working with woodworking machinery, portable power tools, and hand tools.
- Heavy lifting may be required to handle equipment and supplies.
- Some cabinetmakers specialize in a type of product like custom-made furniture, stairs, or cabinet doors. In large shops using high-tech, computer-controlled equipment, cabinetmakers may specialize in one or two functions.
- Experienced cabinetmakers may act as mentors and trainers to new entrants in the trade. They may advance to supervisory or design positions or may open their own shop.
- Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.
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
$31,342 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$29,108 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$17,975 median annual incomeSouthern
$35,644 median annual incomeCape Breton
$19,717 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Construction
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
25-34
35-44
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$22,198 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$18,682 median annual incomeHigh school
$29,085 median annual incomeLess than high school
$33,732 median annual incomeBachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Cabinetmaking and Millwork
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students 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
Various, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally work in this trade.