How to become a Cabinet Maker
Fabricates, assembles and installs kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, wardrobes, counters and other fittings from wood and laminates.
Main tasks
- Interprets drawings and specifications to create cabinets
- Selects and works with various materials for construction
- Cuts, shapes and assembles materials to build cabinetry and fittings
- Utilises CAD and numerical control machines for precision
- Applies finishes to cabinetry and fittings for aesthetics
- Collaborates with clients and tradespeople for accurate installation
- Installs cabinetry and fittings in various areas
- Repairs or replaces damaged cabinetry and fittings
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (MSF30322); Certificate III in Joinery (CPC31920)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $72,800 a year
- About 32,900 people work in this job group now, and about 35,500 are projected by 2035. (+7.8%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Cabinet Maker?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology; Certificate III in Joinery; Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology.
How much does a Cabinet Maker earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $72,800 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Cabinet Maker a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 32,900 to about 35,500 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Cabinet Maker?
Usually not. Only 4% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology; Certificate III in Joinery; Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology.
Will AI change the work of a Cabinet Maker?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04