Career outlook for cabinet maker
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£23,400
Currently employed in Scotland
2,500
Average UK salary
£23,400
Currently employed in Scotland
2,500
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would make pieces of wooden furniture such as chairs, tables, chests of drawers and storage or display cabinets.
You’d design a piece of furniture, build it and decorate it for someone to use in their home or workplace. You might also restore antiques or repair damaged furniture.
You would:
- Draw designs for furniture
- Decide what type of wood to use
- Work out the quantity needed
- Decide what method you will use to construct it
- Buy the wood from suppliers such as timber yards
- Cut, shape and plane the wood using hand, power and computer-controlled tools
- Fix the parts together
- Add brackets, hinges, handles and locks
- Finish the piece of furniture, for example with veneers, lacquers or French polish
You would need to understand, draft or adapt designs and technical drawings.
If you deal directly with customers, you would also discuss designs and agree prices with them.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
54%
Part-time
6%
Self employed
41%
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Discover my routeTop skills
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- Time management
- Managing resources
- Implementing ideas
- Developing a plan
- Attention to detail
- Verbal communication
- Observation
- Designing
- Creative
- Working with numbers
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Qualifications
Work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Furniture and Furnishings and Interiors (SVQ level 2/3) or complete a National Certificate (SCQF level 2-6), Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in Furniture craft, design, restoration or production.
To enter a National Certificate (SCQF level 2-6) in Furniture requires National 4/5 qualifications.
To enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) requires National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers.
Some courses will require a portfolio of your work.
Useful subjects
- English
- Art & Design
- Design & Manufacture
- Technogies subjects such as Practical Woodwork
Helpful to have
Qualifications that demonstrate craft and design skills such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4).
Related industries
