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 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
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. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
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
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
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 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
- 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
- High school is usually required.
- 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
North Shore
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared 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 incomeApprenticeship
$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
Apprenticeship
$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
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe 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
Various, NS
Various, NS
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
Stellarton, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally do this work.