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Cabinet installer vs carpenter

The differences between cabinet installers and carpenters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a cabinet installer and a carpenter. Additionally, a carpenter has an average salary of $41,748, which is higher than the $41,193 average annual salary of a cabinet installer.

The top three skills for a cabinet installer include customer service, hand tools and work ethic. The most important skills for a carpenter are hand tools, ladders, and install windows.

Cabinet installer vs carpenter overview

Cabinet InstallerCarpenter
Yearly salary$41,193$41,748
Hourly rate$19.80$20.07
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs16,0505,862
Job satisfaction-4.86
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age4242
Years of experience1212

What does a cabinet installer do?

A cabinet installer specializes in installing cabinets in homes and establishments. Their responsibilities revolve around meeting with clients to identify their needs and preferences, measuring the area for installation, maintaining records, developing plans and strategies, attaching units to the wall, and maintaining the cleanliness of work areas. There are also instances when they must cut wood and even participate in constructing the cabinet. Moreover, a cabinet installer typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.

What does a carpenter do?

A carpenter is a skilled worker responsible for different areas of construction. Carpenters perform fabrication from raw materials. They use tools to create a successful finished product on their client's request. Carpenters must be able to multi-task, resolve any possible complications, strictly follow safety standards, and ensure that the project adheres to protocols without compromising quality and accuracy of work. Since carpentry is physical labor, carpenters are expected to be physically fit to accomplish various maintenance and production tasks.

Cabinet installer vs carpenter salary

Cabinet installers and carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cabinet InstallerCarpenter
Average salary$41,193$41,748
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $57,000Between $31,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CityFremont, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew JerseyNew Jersey
Best paying companyMasterBrand CabinetsArgonne National Laboratory
Best paying industryManufacturingConstruction

Differences between cabinet installer and carpenter education

There are a few differences between a cabinet installer and a carpenter in terms of educational background:

Cabinet InstallerCarpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Cabinet installer vs carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between cabinet installers' and carpenters' demographics:

Cabinet InstallerCarpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 95.5% Female, 4.5%Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between cabinet installer and carpenter duties and responsibilities

Cabinet installer example responsibilities.

  • Manage telecommunications, data and CCTV equipment.
  • Smooth and sand surfaces to remove ridges, tool marks, glue, or caulking.
  • Operate all power tools, saws, drills, jigs, jointers, plainer, sanders, etc.
  • Measure, cut and hang Sheetrock.
  • Conduct training on OSHA regulations for all employees.
  • Light demo wall repairing and painting and wall unit installations
  • Show more

Carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Remodel homes, roofing, electric, plumbing, framework, Sheetrock, finishing work.
  • Hoist tar and roofing materials to roofs, using ropes and pulleys, or carry materials up ladders.
  • Follow establish safety rules and regulations as specified by OSHA and maintain a safe and clean work environment.
  • Perform new construction, concrete foundations, layout framing, formwork, roofing, site preparation through fine finish.
  • Perform work including, fiberglass framing, concrete form, scaffolding, erecting metal stud walls, drywall and general carpentry
  • General labor practices, carpentry, masonry, cement pouring, hardwood floors, cleanup, and other duties as assigned.
  • Show more

Cabinet installer vs carpenter skills

Common cabinet installer skills
  • Customer Service, 23%
  • Hand Tools, 20%
  • Work Ethic, 17%
  • Custom Cabinets, 11%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 10%
  • Tape Measure, 3%
Common carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 17%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Install Windows, 7%
  • Roofing, 7%
  • Safety Rules, 6%
  • Scaffolding, 6%

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