Furniture Maker

Career Guide

Furniture makers design, build, and repair custom furniture and cabinetry. They translate drawings into precise parts, select and prepare materials, assemble with sound joinery, and apply durable finishes, ensuring pieces meet functional and aesthetic requirements.

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Key Responsibilities

Read and interpret drawings, plans, and cut lists
Select lumber and materials; optimize yield and minimize waste
Measure, mark, and cut components with precision
Assemble using appropriate joinery techniques and adhesives
Sand, stain, and apply finishes (including HVLP spraying)
Operate and maintain woodworking machinery and hand tools
Install built-ins or cabinetry at client sites as needed
Estimate time/materials and uphold shop safety procedures

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Lead Cabinetmaker/Bench Lead

Shop Foreman or Production Supervisor

Furniture Shop Owner/Independent Maker

Transition Opportunities

Finish Carpenter (trim/cabinet install)

Exhibit/Trade Show Fabricator

Furniture Finisher/Restorer

Set/Scenic Carpenter

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Reading shop drawings/CAD and creating cut listsCNC router operation and basic CAM toolpathingSpray finishing with HVLP and color matchingAdvanced joinery and casework construction

Development SuggestionsComplete a community-college cabinetmaking/CNC/finishing course and build a casework project from your own drawings to practice end-to-end workflow.

Market Intelligence Report

Furniture Maker is part of the Carpentry category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$30,000-$36,000

Mid Level$38,000-$48,000

Senior Level$50,000-$65,000

Growth Trend

stable

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Ashley Furniture IndustriesMillerKnoll (Herman Miller + Knoll)Steelcase

Industry Sectors

ManufacturingConstruction (millwork/cabinetry)Arts, Entertainment & Events

Recommended Next Steps

Enroll in a cabinetmaking/woodworking certificate at a local community college or trade school covering safety, joinery, CNC, and finishing

Earn OSHA 10 and assemble a small portfolio: design, draft (SketchUp/AutoCAD), build, and photograph a cabinet or table

Seek an apprentice or shop-helper role and network via local woodworking guilds, maker spaces, or AWI member shops