Best institutions to study Cabinetmaking and Millwork
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to set up, operate and repair industrial woodworking machinery, and to use such machinery to design and fabricate wooden components and complete articles.
37 U.S. institutions graduated 483 Cabinetmaking and Millwork students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 48.0703, a specialization of Woodworking (CIP 48.07), and leads most directly to the Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters occupation (BLS SOC 51-7011).
About Cabinetmaking and Millwork programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to set up, operate and repair industrial woodworking machinery, and to use such machinery to design and fabricate wooden components and complete articles.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Cabinetmaking and Millwork program prepares students to apply technical knowledge and skills in the precision production field of woodworking. This program is ideal for individuals interested in designing and fabricating wooden components and complete articles, using industrial woodworking machinery. Students will learn to set up, operate, and repair various woodworking machines, equipping them for a hands-on career in the industry.
Students in this program will gain core skills in mathematics, critical thinking, and active learning. Coursework covers essential knowledge in building and construction, production processes, and mechanical design, enabling students to verify dimensions, produce components, and operate woodworking machinery effectively.
Credentials awarded
What Cabinetmaking and Millwork graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year267 graduates / yr · 17 institutions55%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years137 graduates / yr · 21 institutions28%
- Associate's degree79 graduates / yr · 14 institutions16%
Graduates over time
Cabinetmaking and Millwork completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 610 |
| 2013 | 462 |
| 2014 | 547 |
| 2015 | 523 |
| 2016 | 601 |
| 2017 | 533 |
| 2018 | 574 |
| 2019 | 450 |
| 2020 | 397 |
| 2021 | 280 |
| 2022 | 340 |
| 2023 | 401 |
| 2024 | 463 |
| 2025 | 483 |
Top 37 institutions for Cabinetmaking and Millwork, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lee College Baytown, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 93 | 53% | — | — |
| 2 | Central Piedmont Community College Charlotte, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 44 | 31% | — | — |
| 3 | Cerritos College Norwalk, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 42 | 31% | — | — |
| 4 | Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 41 | 42% | — | — |
| 5 | J F Ingram State Technical College Deatsville, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 31 | 21% | — | — |
| 6 | Mendocino College Ukiah, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 23 | 25% | — | — |
| 7 | Northwest Shoals Community College Muscle Shoals, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 22 | 39% | — | — |
| 8 | Palomar College San Marcos, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 15 | 38% | — | — |
| 9 | Central Carolina Community College Sanford, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 43% | — | — |
| 10 | Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Lancaster, PAPublicAssociate's | 13 | 71% | — | $38,305 |
| 11 | Laney College Oakland, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 11 | 31% | — | — |
| 12 | Pinellas Technical College - Clearwater Clearwater, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 10 | 52% | — | — |
| 13 | Columbus Technical College Columbus, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 27% | — | — |
| 14 | Savannah Technical College Savannah, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 42% | — | — |
| 15 | Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 38% | — | — |
| 16 | Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 10 | 65% | — | — |
| 17 | Saint Paul College Saint Paul, MNPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 9 | 40% | — | — |
| 18 | Utah Valley University Orem, UTPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 45% | — | — |
| 19 | Madison Area Technical College Madison, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 9 | 29% | — | — |
| 20 | Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 25% | — | — |
| 21 | Northwood Technical College Rice Lake, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 56% | — | — |
| 22 | College of Southern Idaho Twin Falls, IDPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 33% | — | — |
| 23 | American River College Sacramento, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 37% | — | — |
| 24 | Eastern Maine Community College Bangor, MEPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 32% | — | — |
| 25 | El Camino Community College District Torrance, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 42% | — | — |
| 26 | Ocean County Vocational - Technical School Toms River, NJPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 4 | 65% | — | — |
| 27 | College of the Redwoods Eureka, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 34% | — | — |
| 28 | Bucks County Community College Newtown, PAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 3 | 32% | — | — |
| 29 | Moraine Park Technical College Fond du Lac, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 58% | — | — |
| 30 | Bakersfield College Bakersfield, CAPublicAssociate's | 2 | 21% | — | — |
| 31 | Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, UTPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 2 | 29% | — | — |
| 32 | Bates Technical College Tacoma, WAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 2 | 43% | — | — |
| 33 | Pima Community College Tucson, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 28% | — | — |
| 34 | Washburn Institute of Technology Topeka, KSPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 68% | — | — |
| 35 | Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center Altoona, PAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 68% | — | — |
| 36 | Santiago Canyon College Orange, CAPublicAssociate's | 1 | 48% | — | — |
| 37 | Southern Regional Technical College Thomasville, GAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 31% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Woodworking field (CIP 48.07) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 17 states
Where Cabinetmaking and Millwork graduates come from. Each state links to all Woodworking programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 9 | 106 | Cerritos College42 / yr |
| Texas | 1 | 93 | Lee College93 / yr |
| North Carolina | 2 | 57 | Central Piedmont Community College44 / yr |
| Alabama | 2 | 53 | J F Ingram State Technical College31 / yr |
| Minnesota | 2 | 50 | Hennepin Technical College41 / yr |
| Wisconsin | 5 | 36 | Fox Valley Technical College10 / yr |
| Georgia | 3 | 21 | Columbus Technical College10 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 3 | 17 | Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology13 / yr |
| Utah | 2 | 11 | Utah Valley University9 / yr |
| Florida | 1 | 10 | Pinellas Technical College - Clearwater10 / yr |
| Nebraska | 1 | 10 | Southeast Community College Area10 / yr |
| Idaho | 1 | 6 | College of Southern Idaho6 / yr |
| Maine | 1 | 5 | Eastern Maine Community College5 / yr |
| New Jersey | 1 | 4 | Ocean County Vocational - Technical School4 / yr |
| Washington | 1 | 2 | Bates Technical College2 / yr |
| Arizona | 1 | 1 | Pima Community College1 / yr |
| Kansas | 1 | 1 | Washburn Institute of Technology1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 51-7011, Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Cabinetmaking and Millwork program can pursue careers as cabinetmakers, joiners, and woodworking machine operators. The job outlook indicates a slight decline in growth at -1.6%, with approximately 8,100 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is around $46,020, typically requiring a high school diploma or equivalent.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 48.0703
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpentersprimary SOC 51-7011 | $46,680 | -1.6% Decline | ~8,100 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing SOC 51-7042 | $43,380 | -1.8% Decline | ~6,400 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood SOC 51-7041 | $42,770 | -0.6% Little or no change | ~4,800 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Woodworkers, All Other SOC 51-7099 | $44,530 | -4.4% Decline | ~1,800 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Model Makers, Wood SOC 51-7031 | $56,550 | -4.5% Decline | ~100 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Patternmakers, Wood SOC 51-7032 | $49,630 | -5.0% Decline | ~0 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Cabinetmaking and Millwork programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Verify dimensions or check the quality or fit of pieces to ensure adherence to specifications.
- Produce or assemble components of articles, such as store fixtures, office equipment, cabinets, or high-grade furniture.
- Measure and mark dimensions of parts on paper or lumber stock prior to cutting, following blueprints, to ensure a tight fit and quality product.
- Set up or operate machines, including power saws, jointers, mortisers, tenoners, molders, or shapers, to cut, mold, or shape woodstock or wood substitutes.
- Establish the specifications of articles to be constructed or repaired, or plan the methods or operations for shaping or assembling parts, based on blueprints, drawings, diagrams, or oral or written instructions.
- Attach parts or subassemblies together to form completed units, using glue, dowels, nails, screws, or clamps.
Tools and technology used
Other Woodworking specializations
The 4 other 6-digit CIP codes under Woodworking (CIP 48.07).
- Furniture Design and ManufacturingCIP 48.0702partial data56 graduates / yr7 institutions
- WoodworkingCIP 48.0701partial data37 graduates / yr5 institutions
- Wooden Boatbuilding Technology/CIP 48.0704
Technician limited data28 graduates / yr2 institutions - WoodworkingCIP 48.0799limited data6 graduates / yr2 institutions
Common questions
What types of credentials can I earn?+
You can earn an award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year, an award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years, or an Associate's degree.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in monitoring, critical thinking, mathematics, and active listening, among others.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a cabinetmaker, joiner, or woodworking machine operator, among other roles.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows a decline of -1.6%, with about 8,100 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Cabinetmaking and Millwork?+
Cabinetmaking and Millwork is CIP 48.0703 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Woodworking (CIP 48.07). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to set up, operate and repair industrial woodworking machinery, and to use such machinery to design and fabricate wooden components and complete articles.
How many institutions offer Cabinetmaking and Millwork programs?+
37 U.S. institutions reported Cabinetmaking and Millwork graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 17 states, awarding 483 credentials in the year. That is 79.2% of all Woodworking graduates.
How much do Cabinetmaking and Millwork graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters occupation, which Cabinetmaking and Millwork most directly leads to, pays a median of $46,680 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Woodworking field report median earnings of $38,305 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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