The National Line and Where Cabinet Makers Sit
The national full-time adult ordinary-time average, as measured by the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026, sits at $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 a year. This is the line that Average line uses as its benchmark. For cabinet makers, the picture is different. According to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for cabinetmakers is $1,400, which works out to roughly $72,800 per year. That is about $35,500 below the national full-time average.
It is important to note that the $1,400 figure is a median, not an average. The median tells us that half of full-time cabinet makers earn more than this and half earn less. The national average, by contrast, is pulled up by high earners in industries such as mining and professional services. Cabinet makers typically work in manufacturing, construction, and joinery shops, where pay scales are lower on the whole.
Place a salary on the line to see how any figure compares to the national average.
Why the Joinery Award Matters
Many cabinet makers are covered by the Joinery and Building Trades Award (MA000029), which sets minimum wages and conditions for employees in joinery shops, shopfitting, and prefabricated building. However, the award specifically excludes employers engaged in the on-site installation of cabinetry, such as kitchen and bathroom fit-outs. Those workers may fall under the Building and Construction Award instead.
The Joinery Award contains multiple classification levels, from entry-level factory hands to qualified tradespersons. The minimum rates under the award are lower than the median earnings reported by the ABS, which suggests that many cabinet makers receive over-award payments or are covered by enterprise agreements. From 1 July 2026, award minimums rose by 4.75%, following the annual wage review. The national minimum wage itself is now $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week on a 38-hour week.
For a cabinet maker working under the Joinery Award, the actual classification and experience level will determine the minimum pay. The median of $1,400 per week is well above the award minimums, indicating that the typical cabinet maker earns more than the base rate.
State and Territory Differences
State full-time averages vary considerably across Australia. The highest is the Australian Capital Territory at about $119,090 per year, followed by Western Australia at $115,825. The lowest is Tasmania at $96,008. These differences reflect the mix of industries and occupations in each state.
While the ABS does not publish state-level earnings specifically for cabinet makers, it is reasonable to expect that cabinet makers in states with higher overall earnings may also earn more, particularly in Western Australia where the mining boom lifts wages across many trades. Conversely, cabinet makers in Tasmania or South Australia may earn closer to the national median for the occupation.
States and territories provides a full breakdown of average earnings by location.
How the Figures Are Collected
The median earnings for cabinet makers come from the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, which is conducted every two years. The most recent data available is from May 2025. The survey covers full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, excluding part-time workers and managers, to give a clearer picture of typical pay for the occupation.
It is worth noting that the median for all occupations is about $1,741 per week ($90,532 per year), so cabinet makers sit well below that mark. The all-employees median, which includes part-time and casual workers, is about $1,425 per week ($74,100 per year), which is closer to the cabinet maker median.
The Role of Experience and Specialisation
Cabinet making is a skilled trade, and earnings can increase with experience, specialisation, and supervisory responsibilities. A cabinet maker who runs their own business or works as a subcontractor may earn significantly more than an employee. However, the ABS data only covers employees, not the self-employed.
Specialist areas such as shopfitting or high-end custom furniture may also command higher rates. The Joinery Award includes classifications for tradespersons and advanced tradespersons, which attract higher minimum rates.
Comparing to Other Trades
Cabinet makers earn less than some other construction trades. For example, electricians and plumbers typically have median earnings above $1,800 per week. This reflects differences in demand, licensing requirements, and the nature of the work. Cabinet making is often carried out in a workshop environment, which may have different pay structures than on-site construction.
Summary
The cabinet maker salary, as measured by the median, is about $72,800 per year, well below the national full-time average of $108,352. The gap is partly explained by the industry mix and the award structure. State location and the specific type of cabinet making (workshop vs on-site) can also affect earnings. For the most accurate comparison, use the Job medians page to see how cabinet makers stack up against other occupations.
Guides offers more detail on how awards and enterprise agreements shape pay in different industries.