A cabinet maker job description should tell candidates what they will build, which steps they own, and what tools or skills the work actually requires. Use the template below as a starting point, then tailor it to your products, shop, and production process.
O*NET groups cabinetmakers and bench carpenters under occupation 51-7011.00. Its profile describes work such as measuring and marking materials from drawings, producing or assembling wood-product components, and checking dimensions and fit. That is a broad occupational reference; your posting should name the duties that apply to this specific opening.
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Define the role before posting
| Decision | What to specify |
|---|---|
| Products | Custom cabinets, cabinet doors, casework, store fixtures, furniture, or another product line. |
| Build scope | Cutting, machining, joinery, assembly, sanding, finish preparation, hardware installation, or field installation. Include only work this position performs. |
| Shop tools and systems | Name the machines, measurement tools, drawings, and software the employee will use. Separate required experience from training the employer can provide. |
| Quality standards | Describe how the work is checked: dimensions, fit, finish preparation, hardware operation, or conformance to shop drawings and work orders. |
| Work details | State location, schedule, reporting relationship, pay range, employment type, and any actual travel or installation expectations. |
Cabinet maker job description template
Job title: [Cabinet Maker / Custom Cabinet Maker / Cabinet Assembler]
Location: [City, state; on-site or other accurate arrangement]
Employment type and schedule: [Full-time or part-time; days, shift, and expected hours]
Pay: [Approved range and any clearly explained incentive structure]
About the role
[Company] is hiring a cabinet maker to [build, assemble, or finish] [specific products] in our [custom, production, or other accurately described] shop. This role works from [shop drawings, cut lists, work orders, or other actual documents] and coordinates with [actual team or supervisor]. The position is responsible for [the main result the employee is expected to deliver].
What you will do
- Review drawings, cut lists, specifications, and work orders before starting a job.
- Measure and mark wood or sheet materials; cut and shape parts to the approved dimensions.
- Operate the woodworking equipment used in this shop, such as [list only the machines assigned to this role].
- Assemble cabinets, doors, drawers, fixtures, or other components using the specified joinery, fasteners, adhesives, and hardware.
- Check parts and completed work for dimensions, fit, alignment, and finish requirements; raise discrepancies before they move to the next production step.
- [Add sanding, finish preparation, packaging, installation, maintenance, or documentation duties only when they are part of this job.]
- Keep the work area organized and follow the shop’s equipment and safety procedures.
What you will bring
- [Required experience, training, or demonstrated ability that matches the actual work.]
- Ability to read and follow [shop drawings, cut lists, measurements, or specifications that the role uses].
- Accurate measuring and attention to fit, alignment, and workmanship.
- Experience with [specific tools, machines, materials, or joinery] when it is essential on day one.
- Ability to communicate production questions and identify a mismatch between the drawing, material, and finished part.
Preferred qualifications
[List genuinely useful additions, such as custom cabinetry, casework, CNC equipment, CAD/CAM software, or installation experience, only if they apply. Keep preferred qualifications separate from the minimum requirements.]
Work environment and physical requirements
Describe the actual shop setting, equipment, schedule, and essential tasks. If the role includes lifting, standing, repetitive hand work, or use of protective equipment, state the relevant task and realistic frequency rather than using a generic list that may not match the job.
Make the template specific to your shop
A custom cabinet shop may need a maker who can move between one-off builds and careful fit checks. A production operation may place more emphasis on repeatable measurements, machine setup, assembly sequence, and handoffs. A role that includes installation should say so directly and describe where that work happens. These are examples, not universal divisions of cabinetmaking work.
Before publishing, remove every bracketed instruction, confirm that each listed machine and qualification is current, and make sure the pay, schedule, location, and reporting details are accurate. Do not require a degree, software package, or years of experience unless it is genuinely needed for the work.
Cabinet maker and millwork engineer are different job descriptions
A cabinet maker role commonly centers on making, shaping, assembling, and checking wood products. A millwork or cabinet engineer role may center on production-ready drawings, bills of material, technical detailing, or manufacturing handoffs. Define the deliverables and decision authority before choosing the title. For the engineering role, see WoodJobs’ millwork and cabinet engineer job description template.
Frequently asked questions
What should a cabinet maker job description include?
Name the products, build steps, tools, quality checks, experience required, schedule, location, and pay information. Be explicit about whether finishing or installation is included.
Should cabinet makers be required to know CNC or CAD software?
Only when the role uses that equipment or software and the employee needs the skill at the start. Otherwise, describe it as preferred or explain the training available.
Is a cabinet maker the same as a cabinet installer?
Not necessarily. Some jobs include both shop fabrication and field installation; others focus on shop work. State the actual scope so applicants can assess the role accurately.
For a candidate-focused overview of the trade, see How to Build a Career as a Cabinet Maker. Employers hiring for permanent roles in cabinetry, millwork, and wood products can talk with WoodJobs about their hiring needs.
