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Cabinet maker vs ship joiner

The differences between cabinet makers and ship joiners can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a cabinet maker, becoming a ship joiner takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a cabinet maker has an average salary of $36,494, which is higher than the $35,942 average annual salary of a ship joiner.

The top three skills for a cabinet maker include hand tools, shop drawings and tape measure. The most important skills for a ship joiner are OSHA, shop drawings, and plumbing.

Cabinet maker vs ship joiner overview

Cabinet MakerShip Joiner
Yearly salary$36,494$35,942
Hourly rate$17.55$17.28
Growth rate3%2%
Number of jobs7,3196,725
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 33%
Average age4642
Years of experience412

What does a cabinet maker do?

A cabinet maker specializes in constructing cabinets and other wooden furniture, even restoring antiques. They usually create their own designs, but there are also times when they craft specific cabinets according to client requests and orders. A cabinet maker usually meets with clients to discuss cabinet specifications, and they may also travel to homes or establishments to obtain measurements and perform other assessments. Their job entails planning methods and materials, purchasing supplies, operating woodworking machinery, assembling parts, and applying paint and other finishing materials to surfaces.

What does a ship joiner do?

A ship joiner is responsible for handling heavy physical operations within a ship's restricted area, operating various tools and equipment, and transporting loads with different dimensions. Ship joiners maintain the efficiency and performance of the engines during operations, scheduling regular maintenance to avoid delays and hazards in the premises. They ensure the cleanliness and orderliness of the area, as well as maintaining the inventories for ship repairs and installations. A ship joiner must have excellent organizational skills, especially the ability to multitask in demanding conditions.

Cabinet maker vs ship joiner salary

Cabinet makers and ship joiners have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cabinet MakerShip Joiner
Average salary$36,494$35,942
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $48,000Between $23,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CityElizabeth, NJBoston, MA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyMassachusetts
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyWorkday
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between cabinet maker and ship joiner education

There are a few differences between a cabinet maker and a ship joiner in terms of educational background:

Cabinet MakerShip Joiner
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 33%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Cabinet maker vs ship joiner demographics

Here are the differences between cabinet makers' and ship joiners' demographics:

Cabinet MakerShip Joiner
Average age4642
Gender ratioMale, 92.7% Female, 7.3%Male, 83.8% Female, 16.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 1.8% White, 68.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage5%2%

Differences between cabinet maker and ship joiner duties and responsibilities

Cabinet maker example responsibilities.

  • Perform building of custom cabinetry from detail blueprints, using planers, jointers, shapers, and various woodworking machinery.
  • Used table see, panel see, planers, jointer, routers, shapers, and nailers.
  • Verify dimensions of carving, using rule and dividers.
  • Design, replace, and maintain electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems.
  • Skil in using veneer, solid wood, Formica, among other types of wood.
  • Resurface bathtubs and counter tops.Helper, prepper, painting, caulking, sanding, masking.
  • Show more

Ship joiner example responsibilities.

  • Certify welder GMAW, SMAW, FCAW.
  • Erect ladders and scaffolding to fit together large assemblies.
  • Perform MIG welding on mild steel and stainless steel including plate, pipe and screen.
  • Fabricate belt guard aluminum and stainless steel coupling guards, pipe supports, pipe clamps and operate an overhead crane.
  • Follow safety rules and regulations and attend bi-weekly OSHA safety meetings.
  • Assemble rigging (cables, pulleys, hooks) to move materials.
  • Show more

Cabinet maker vs ship joiner skills

Common cabinet maker skills
  • Hand Tools, 28%
  • Shop Drawings, 7%
  • Tape Measure, 7%
  • Table Saws, 5%
  • CNC Router, 5%
  • Power Saws, 4%
Common ship joiner skills
  • OSHA, 32%
  • Shop Drawings, 20%
  • Plumbing, 18%
  • Hand Tools, 10%
  • Door Frames, 5%
  • Boats, 4%

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