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What is Cabinetmaking and Millwork?

Cabinetmaking and Millwork is a field of study focused on the knowledge and technical skills to fabricate wood and composite materials from raw material into a complete article.  To most, the difference between cabinetmaking and millwork is virtually indistinguishable; however, to professionals in the trade, the difference is immense.

In plain terms, cabinetmaking is the fabrication and creation of the cabinet while the millwork is the decorative trim and accents added to the cabinets.

The curriculum within the Cabinetmaking and Millwork degree program will often include understanding of: wood composition, composite composition, machine operations, materials preparation, machinery repair, design, and fabrication.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$50,560

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

26.70%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

356,750

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Cabinetmaking and Millwork Courses

Rolla Technical Institute is an educational and vocational training center located in Rolla, Missouri. These educational programs include drawing and design, automotive technology, cabinetmaking, and firefighting and rescue.  High school students can use those educational programs as part of the dual-credit program provided by the school. Rolla Institute of Technology also offers a career resource education program. It aims to provide career counselors for students and graduates. Any student with a high school diploma or GED is welcome to apply.

Acceptance Rate

64

Tuition

$10,800 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Pennsylvania has 18 buildings including the residential halls, dining halls, classrooms, laboratories, Learning Resource Center, and their activity area such as basketball courts, and fitness center. It houses over 1,300 students that can be enrolled in their full-time day and evening courses.    

It offers an accredited woodworking course that can last up to four semesters with a total credit of 71. Students enrolled in the subject will produce fine pieces of furniture using their own design and skills enhanced and guided by the university’s experienced and dedicated professors. The graduates of the program will be able to apply their knowledge in proper construction of fine furniture and kitchen layout while also practicing safe use of machinery and develop a great work ethic. 

Acceptance Rate

88.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Washburn Institute of Technology is recognized as a national innovator that provides various opportunities for individuals who want to thrive in modern industry through learning technology courses and advanced degree courses. The university is located in Kansas and offers financial aid to students.

It has designed a course that can help students learn cabinet making or woodwork skills, and provides practical guidance on how to use blueprints and workshop drawings. It also emphasizes the operation of power tools and equipment. Students will learn how to work individually or with a team which develops their social skills and ability to perform well in the professional industry. The course can be completed in two to four semesters, depending on the student’s pace.

Acceptance Rate

50.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Washington Holmes – Technical Center, now known as Florida Panhandle Technical College due to its rebranding, offers a safe environment that promotes responsible and ethical practices. It provides excellent academic and technical training with the aim to develop the student’s skills and prepare them to become industry professionals. 

The institute offers a top ranked cabinet making course program for aspiring furniture makers to seek an in-depth training from hands-on and dedicated faculty. The program stresses on design and craftsmanship as well as focusing on the installation of furniture in the areas of a home or businesses. Throughout the 1,200-hour course, students will learn how to operate woodworking machines such as jointers and power saws.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,890 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Lancaster County Center and Technology Center provides a variety of options for those who wish to start a new career or develop an existing career.

It provides different learning plans to help learners achieve their goals. Amongst these study programs is Construction Technologies that comprises nine programs. In this program, learners will know about residential carpentry, cabinetmaking and wood technology, commercial construction, and plumbing, and a whole lot more. Students will also be given the opportunity to work in the field on school days to get a better feel of what a day in the life of a construction professional is going to be like for students. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$14,965 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Earning a reputation for producing competitive graduates, Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center offers various programs ranging from automotive technology to welding. Their campus is located at Cape Girardeau, a medium-sized city in Missouri.

Offering hands-on learning with experienced instructors, learners will participate in power tool safety, drywall, and site prep and layout discussions in their Construction Technology Program. Financial aid is also offered to learners via scholarships and loans from the government. Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center is an excellent choice for those who are looking to build their skills for their career.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$8,400 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Located in Alexandria, Los Angeles, CLTCC is a two-year technical community college with 8 campuses designed to prepare for their respective careers. CLTCC was approved by the legislature's Bill 760 in 2012, and now continues to provide high-quality and comprehensive education courses and programs. 

Central Louisiana Technical Community College’s Manufacturing program provides many options to learners who are interested to engage in the art of manufacturing. They have skilled and experienced faculty members and staff who know what skills are needed by the students. CLTCC is easy to access and ensures that all qualified applicants have equal education.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Moraine Park Technical College provides learners technical and vocational knowledge and experience needed as they enter the workforce. They offer different programs that will give students certificates or associate degrees.   A student earns a certificate or diploma once he or she completes the Architecture and Construction program. The institute offers different financial aids to help students stay in school to continue their education. Students who do not have a high school diploma may still enroll in certain job-entry preparation courses.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

With its valuable education for more than a century, Fox Valley Technical College started as an urban vocational school. Learners will obtain occupational training from over 200 programs, whether they are preparing to start a new career or jump start an existing one. 

Construction and residential buildings provide career opportunities for students, such as carpenters, builders, expeditors and building materials salesmen. In this program, they will learn to build or remodel a home and gain knowledge in operating tools, machinery, and equipment safely. Program instruction is made up of 20% classroom discussions, 30% laboratory work, and 50% on-site construction tasks to ensure that the students are well-prepared to enter the workforce.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Pinellas Technical Education Center is a public institution established to give career training opportunities and quality education through various programs. Serving around 12,000 students each year, pTEC is dedicated in ensuring that their students develop the skills and abilities that will be beneficial as they enter the workforce as licensed professionals. 

Construction Trades is one of pTEC’s available degree programs. Individuals who are interested in applying may apply for the financial aids that the institute offers to help cover tuition fees. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 6 to 1, pTEC’s graduates are trained to be competent in the fields they are studying.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,748 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Since its establishment in 1972, the Western Institute of Technology in La Crosse aims to benefit the community by providing students with life-long learning and opportunities to succeed in a rapidly changing industry. The university values excellence, learning, diversity, teamwork and respect.

It’s cabinet making course is focused on helping the students learn how to create furniture designs and use safe construction methods using the latest technology. The program is guided by experienced instructors that also teach finishing techniques and proper use of woodworking tools. Western Institute of Technology requires aspiring students to participate in online assessments to assess their skills in reading comprehension and arithmetic.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Bates Technical College is a vocational school that provides vocational and technical education and training to guide individuals seeking to join the workforce. It is open to individuals who try to meet the minimum standards of admission requirements. 

Bates Technical College’s Carpentry program is designed to prepare students for employment in the construction industry. To provide students with useful experiences, they provided construction and renovation projects outside the campus, and involved their students in all steps of the construction. Scholarships are available for students who will meet the qualifications.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The mission of Southern Crescent Technical College is to deliver relevant education and provide learning opportunities to prepare the students for the industry. It values academic excellence, student success, and integrity.  Southern Crescent offers a certificate of credit for students who completed the Cabinet Making course which has 17 credit hours that can be done in 1 term. Applicants of the program are required to be at least 16 years old, can provide high school transcript, and must meet the assessment requirements. During the program, students will learn cabinetmaking skills, reading of blueprints, and safety in handling tools and machineries.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Savannah Technical College is located in Georgia and offers nearly 150 courses that students can use in the professional industry. It also provides corporate training and assessment programs in aviation, public service, health sciences, and adult classes.   The college outlined a luxury cabinet making course that aims to develop the skills and knowledge of the students in luxury craft materials and luxury print reading. After completing the 10 credit hours, graduates of the program will receive a certificate. Individuals who want to enroll must first submit a high school diploma or GED and pass the assessment exam required by the university before they can begin enrollment.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas also known as UAC is a community college. Its application process takes 10 specific steps starting from completion of the admission application process down to the school’s required class attendance.  UAC provides different programs in different departments including Skilled and Technical associate programs which are all directed towards hands-on training. This includes cabinet making so that students will become competent and skilled workers in the future. At UAC, students can take advantage of the school’s faculty resources and elevate their learning about millwork and cabinet-making.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Central Carolina Community College aims to help individuals to continue their education and prepare them for a rewarding career. The institution is a public two-year college that serves primarily the residents of Chatham, Harnett, and Lee counties in North Carolina. 

It offers a millworking program within the construction technology degree that focuses on hands-on training and classroom instructions to develop the skills of the students and equip them with knowledge about the industry. Students will learn how to properly use construction tools and techniques, cabinet making, as well as learn how to establish good communication skills that can be used in the business industry. Graduates of the program will receive diplomas and certificates.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Lee College is dedicated to serve the community and empower students by providing quality and innovative education. It is located in Baytown, Texas, and offers more than 100 certificate and associate degree programs.

With its commitment to prepare the students to succeed in today’s industry and challenging environment, Lee College developed a leading cabinet making program that consists of 60 credit hours for an associate degree, and 38 credit hours for completion of the certificate. Experienced instructors will demonstrate the proper use of equipment and methods and help the students practice basic arithmetic for computing labor and construction cost. Upon completion, graduates of the program can work as carpenters, cabinetmakers, woodworkers and desktop carpenters.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Bridgeland Institute of Technology (BTEC) is located at Logan, Utah and is one of the colleges approved by the Vocational Education Commission. Their goal is to produce high-quality graduates who are competitive in their respective occupations and fields and are guided by employers.  Bridgeland’s Building Technology program allows their students to gain experience in site layout, framing, interior finishing, and exterior finishing. As students learn about cabinetmaking, they will also learn to identify and safely use the tools, develop layouts, and execute proper building and installation of the woodworks. This course is suitable for all interested high school students and adults.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,005 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Clover Park Technical College offers not only technical courses but also academic and extracurricular programs. The school ensures that students receive scholarships and emergency aid funds to ensure that they stay in school and empower them. 

Clover Park Technical College’s School of Automotive and Trades offers courses that are established to provide and enhance basic mechanical skills needed in the art of construction, welding, and upholstery, among a few others. Some of these programs are recognized as HVAC/Refrigeration and Specialty Electrical Training Programs for Limited Energy by the state of Washington. After the program is completed, graduates can apply at local auto dealerships, construction companies and auto repair shops.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The El Camino Community College District in Torrance, California is a two-year community college offering transfer and associate degree programs. In ECCCD, students will have the opportunity to enjoy various activities and events while studying and preparing to become one of the best employees in the field. 

El Camino Community College enables students to understand blueprints, estimate materials, and build basic residential structures. They would be taught about the properties of wood and wood products to better understand and build woodcrafts. Like other courses offered by this institution, this course is taught by professionals who have accumulated experience in the field.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

28:1

Seattle Central Community College houses more than 15,000 students from 83 countries and has a ratio of 15 students per faculty. It has been preparing students to succeed in their careers for 50 years, offering 25 fields of studies for career training and bachelor’s degree.  It has developed an excellent and sustainable training program for individuals who want to explore furniture design, construction, etc. The Cabinetmaking and Architectural Woodworking program can be completed in 15 months and graduates may work in kitchen cabinet shops, wood shops, countertop manufacturers, and lumper companies among many others.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Utah Valley University is known as the largest university in the state of Utah. It provides a dual-task model that combines the first-class teaching and professional courses of community colleges. By the fall of 2020, more than 40,000 students will be enrolled at the university, of which 81% are working students.  Utah Valley University offers Cabinetry and Architectural Woodworking programs that produce highly skilled individuals in the cabinetmaking field. Students can enroll in 9 different certificates, bachelor’s, and associate degree programs that revolve around construction management. The program prepares students for finding suitable jobs by developing their construction knowledge and communication skills.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Des Moines Area Community College in Central Iowa aims to provide a unique educational approach in a student-centered and friendly environment. It also offers the lowest tuition fee in Iowa and provides financial aids and scholarships for students.  It develops a course that concentrates on cabinet making, blueprint reading, material identification, use of portable tools, stationary equipment, and millwork techniques. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students will apply the lessons by creating their own projects as part of the practical training. The cabinetmaking course can be completed in approximately 33 credits.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Established in 1955, Wallace Community College has been providing opportunities for its students while also promoting economic and social development. Its vision is to be the leading community college that can be recognized by its excellence in education, innovation, and student success.   It offers a certificate program for cabinetmaking designed to emphasize the use of tools, constructions, principles of estimating and blueprint, and proper use of various wood and building materials. The students will undergo 9 classes that consist of 27 credit hours before receiving the certificate of completion. Wallace Community College does not require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED but they must be college and career ready to be enrolled in the programs.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Fullerton College is a community college and an important base for personal training, learning and experience of high-quality education. Because of its humble origins, Fullerton College has become one of the most successful community colleges in California.  Fullerton College offers one of the most popular cabinet and woodworking course programs in a variety of flexible settings. For example, distance learning can be visited and supported by the department to provide services to students in remote areas. Some students choose a mixed format to combine online and classroom setting learning to train students in cabinet making methods.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Top Degrees in Cabinetmaking & Millwork

Woodworking departments at colleges and universities across the country provide an array of programs in cabinetmaking and millwork.  Cabinets for residential and commercial use are ubiquitous and the need for trained professionals continues to expand year over year.  In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates nearly 1 million trained individuals are in the specialty construction trade with an expected growth of 8% in the coming decade.

This job growth will translate to some 169,100 job openings in the reporting period providing opportunities for growth and job stability for experienced, educated professionals.  In addition to cabinetmaking and millwork degrees, students seeking programs in a woodworking department may also be interested in carving technology, woodworking skills technology, veneering technology, case furniture construction, lathe turning, guitar making, table manufacturing, or chair manufacturing.

An overview of certificate programs and degree programs in cabinetmaking include the following programs.

Certificate Programs in Cabinetmaking & Millwork

A certificate program in cabinetmaking and millwork is a short, focused program.  Certificates can last from a few weeks to a few months depending on the scope of the class.  Certificate programs provide students with the essentials to understand foundational elements in the trade along with hands-on learning opportunities in a shop or classroom.

Some students take the class to add skills to an existing hobby while others utilize certificate programs to gain trade-specific knowledge to begin a career in the field.  For those seeking employment in the field of fabrication and manufacturing, a certificate is an academic vehicle to help find an entry-level position in the field.

Associate Degrees in Cabinetmaking & Millwork

An associate degree in cabinetmaking and millwork is a 2-year program for full-time students.  Degrees at this level are conferred as an Associate of Science (AS).  Associate degrees meld liberal arts education with core classes to help students think more holistically about the world around them.  General education classes include courses such as communications, history, philosophy, psychology, and sociology.

Core classes found in a cabinetmaking and millwork course will vary by school and tools available in the shop.  Examples of classes may include: fundamentals of woodworking, machine woodworking, business management, materials management, logistics, plastic laminate techniques, residential cabinetry, architectural millwork, cabinet layout design, machine tool set-up, finish work, touch-up, and repair.

Employment Information & Millwork Specializations

Certificate programs and degrees in millworking set students up for various woodworking trades. From finish work to rough carpentry, woodworking can take various forms for those that are formally trained. Students seeking to use their degree outside of millwork, can consider skills learned in school for other vocations. Samples of careers include: carpentry, general contracting, CNC machining, computer programming, CAD programming, ironworking, machining, tool making, operations manager, and millwright.

Cabinetry Job Growth & Career Outlook

Forecasted job growth appears to be steadily increasing along with the general economy.  With the trades and construction sectors bumping along, the median average for all jobs is mirroring cabinetmakers.  Alternatively, similar trade careers for machinists are set to rise 6% and a 7% increase in jobs for carpenters in the coming decade.  These two sectors alone will add nearly 200,000 jobs to our economy in the next ten years.  Meanwhile, employment growth for cabinetmakers and millwork trades will add nearly twenty-five thousand jobs.

Resources for Cabinetmakers & Millwork
  • Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA)
  • World Millwork Alliance (WMA)
  • American Hardwood Association (AHA)
  • Moulding and Millwork Producers Association (MMPA)
  • Cabinetmakers Association (CMA)

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