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.
Cabinet installer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real cabinet installer resumes:
- 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
- Use of various size ladders and wood work tools.
- Install new cabinets as well as completing existing remodel jobs.
- Initial quote pricing on home remodel projects; mainly kitchens and bathrooms.
- Apply caulking compounds by hand or with caulking gun to seal crevices.
- Read and understand blueprints and cad drawings by navigating 3d modeling programs.
- Build computer cabinet and run a press machine, they go out business.
- Plumb electrical PVC from switches to cross connection and switch to telephone poles.
- Install sheetrock, exterior siding, flooring, joists, and do frame work.
- Work on framing, roofing, remodeling, cabinet install, door hanging, trim work.
Cabinet installer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 23% of Cabinet Installers are proficient in Customer Service, Hand Tools, and Work Ethic. They’re also known for soft skills such as Business skills, Problem-solving skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Cabinet Installers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 23%
Handle customer service issues regarding homeowners, touch up and adjustments, as well as blue tapes.
- Hand Tools, 20%
Use various power and hand tools to install and sometimes modify ready made cabinets, while reading and interpreting blue prints.
- Work Ethic, 17%
Received Multiple raises due to work ethic and ability to retain information being taught on the job or in the shop.
- Custom Cabinets, 11%
Measured materials for laminating- Mixed and applied custom stains and finish coats- Installed custom cabinets in residential and commercial properties
- Customer Satisfaction, 10%
Cooperated with manufacturer representatives to order new cabinets and to resolve any issues related to customer satisfaction after installation.
- Tape Measure, 3%
Used a tape measure and numerous pneumatic and electric tools on a daily basis.
"customer service," "hand tools," and "work ethic" are among the most common skills that cabinet installers use at work. You can find even more cabinet installer responsibilities below, including:
Business skills. One of the key soft skills for a cabinet installer to have is business skills. You can see how this relates to what cabinet installers do because "self-employed carpenters must conduct activities such as bidding on new jobs, tracking inventory, and directing workers." Additionally, a cabinet installer resume shows how cabinet installers use business skills: "delivered merchandise to residential homes and businesses installed cabinets in residential homes and businesses. "
Problem-solving skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling cabinet installer duties is problem-solving skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "carpenters may work independently with little guidance." According to a cabinet installer resume, here's how cabinet installers can utilize problem-solving skills in their job responsibilities: "install custom kitchen cabinetry, provide customer service to builders and home owners and come up with solutions to address disputes. "
Detail oriented. cabinet installers are also known for detail oriented, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to cabinet installer responsibilities, because "carpenters must be able to precisely cut, measure, and modify the materials they work with." A cabinet installer resume example shows how detail oriented is used in the workplace: "understanddetailed architecture drawings, schematics, shop drawings, and blueprints. "
Dexterity. A big part of what cabinet installers do relies on "dexterity." You can see how essential it is to cabinet installer responsibilities because "carpenters use many tools and need hand-eye coordination to avoid injuring themselves or damaging materials." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical cabinet installer tasks: "load delivery truck and off load. Help install cabinets. Organize plywood in warehouse with a forklift. "
Math skills. Another common skill required for cabinet installer responsibilities is "math skills." This skill comes up in the duties of cabinet installers all the time, as "carpenters frequently use math skills, including basic trigonometry, to calculate the area, size, and amount of material needed for the job. ." An excerpt from a real cabinet installer resume shows how this skill is central to what a cabinet installer does: "use mathematical skills to measure out size of cabinet doors and other cabinet measurements. "
Physical strength. Lastly, "physical strength" is an important element of what a cabinet installer does. Cabinet installer responsibilities require this skill because "carpenters use heavy tools and materials that weigh up to 100 pounds." This resume example highlights how cabinet installer duties rely on this skill: "deploy hdpe liner operate hand/power tools of all types.perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites.inventory supplies. "
The three companies that hire the most cabinet installers are:
- Closet Factory24 cabinet installers jobs
- Closets By Design17 cabinet installers jobs
- Kitchen Tune-Up Franchise System15 cabinet installers jobs
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Compare different cabinet installers
Cabinet installer vs. Framer
A framer is responsible for devising work plans and assembling the framework structure essential for constructing houses and other facilities. Moreover, they are also responsible for finding the appropriate materials needed for the project, setting the budget, managing the schedule, and consulting with the client for their preferences. The duties of a framer mainly involve physical work and attention to detail. There are instances when one must operate various power tools and equipment, understand blueprints, and even climb up high places.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between cabinet installers and framer. For instance, cabinet installer responsibilities require skills such as "hand tools," "work ethic," "custom cabinets," and "customer satisfaction." Whereas a framer is skilled in "taking care," "window frames," "sheetrock," and "staple gun." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Framers earn the highest salaries when working in the construction industry, with an average yearly salary of $39,620. On the other hand, cabinet installers are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $43,959.framers tend to reach similar levels of education than cabinet installers. In fact, framers are 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Cabinet installer vs. Pallet builder
An apprentice carpenter is responsible for assisting the carpenter on construction operations, ensuring the adherence to safety protocols, and following clients' specifications. Apprentice carpenters monitor carpentry tools and equipment adequacy, inspect the items for any defects for immediate repair or replacements, and analyze blueprints and schematics, especially for installing systems and essential components on the construction. An apprentice carpenter must have excellent organizational and time-management skills and extensive knowledge of the carpentry industry to support the project completion for the customer's satisfaction.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, cabinet installer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "customer service," "hand tools," "work ethic," and "custom cabinets." Meanwhile, a pallet builder has duties that require skills in areas such as "pallets," "electric pallet jack," "build pallets," and "safety standards." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, pallet builders earn a lower salary than cabinet installers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, pallet builders earn the most pay in the hospitality industry with an average salary of $40,282. Whereas cabinet installers have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $43,959.pallet builders earn similar levels of education than cabinet installers in general. They're 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Cabinet installer vs. Apprentice carpenter
Journeyman carpenters perform carpentry work in buildings and repair structures and elements, primarily by using wood and metal. Journeyman carpenters work directly in a team while reporting to a foreman. Most construction companies, builders, and construction staff hire journeyman carpenters to work mostly during daytime weekday shifts, but evening shifts, weekend, and on-call basis hours are sometimes required. Travel is commonly required for this job, as journeyman carpenters go to and from different supply houses, job sites, and the company shop.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, cabinet installers are more likely to have skills like "customer service," "custom cabinets," "customer satisfaction," and "install cabinets." But a apprentice carpenter is more likely to have skills like "ladders," "scaffolding," "strong work ethic," and "reference points."
Apprentices carpenter make a very good living in the construction industry with an average annual salary of $42,204. On the other hand, cabinet installers are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $43,959.apprentices carpenter typically earn similar educational levels compared to cabinet installers. Specifically, they're 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Cabinet installer vs. Journeyman carpenter
Types of cabinet installer
Updated January 8, 2025
