How to become a Furniture Maker
Fabricates and repairs freestanding furniture from timber, veneers, laminates and cane.
Main tasks
- Examines drawings, work orders and sample parts to determine specifications
- Selects and works with materials such as timber, veneers, particle board, synthetic wood and other engineered wood products
- Assembles parts to form sections of cabinets and furniture and completed articles
- Fits hinges, locks, catches, drawers, shelves and other associated hardware
- Makes frames for chairs and couches
- Applies protective coatings to cabinets and furniture
- May repair and refurbish furniture, including antiques
- May make reproduction furniture
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 IV in Furniture Design and Manufacturing (MSF40222); Certificate II in Furniture Making Pathways (MSF20522)
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 Furniture Maker?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology; Certificate IV in Furniture Design and Manufacturing; Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology.
How much does a Furniture Maker earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $72,800 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Furniture 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 Furniture 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 IV in Furniture Design and Manufacturing; Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology.
Will AI change the work of a Furniture 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