Migrate to Australia as a Cabinetmaker

Overview

Cabinetmakers design, build, and install custom furniture, kitchen cabinetry, bathroom vanities, and commercial fitouts. In Australia, the construction and renovation boom has sustained strong demand for skilled cabinetmakers. They work in small workshops, large manufacturing facilities, and on commercial and residential construction sites.

Custom joinery and high-end residential fitouts are growth areas, driven by Australia's property market and a consumer preference for quality craftsmanship.

Skills Assessment

Your assessing authority is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). The assessment evaluates your trade qualifications and practical experience against the Australian Certificate III in Cabinet Making (or equivalent).

ANZSCO code: 394111

Processing can take several months. You need a formal cabinetmaking qualification and post-qualification trade experience. TRA may require a practical assessment to verify your skills.

Eligible Visas

Cabinetmaker (394111) is on the MLTSSL:

• Subclass 189, 190, 491 (skilled migration)
• Subclass 482, 186 (employer-sponsored)

Job Market

Salary range: AUD 60,000 to 85,000. Experienced cabinetmakers running their own workshop or specialising in high-end residential work can earn AUD 90,000 to 110,000+. Commercial fitout specialists working on office, retail, or hospitality projects also earn at the higher end.

Demand is strong in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, where residential construction and renovation activity is highest. Regional areas also need cabinetmakers, with fewer local tradespeople to fill roles.

Tips

• CNC machining skills are increasingly expected in modern cabinetmaking workshops. Proficiency with CNC routers and CAD/CAM software (such as Cabinet Vision or Microvellum) makes you more employable.
• Understanding Australian standards for cabinetwork and built-in furniture (AS/NZS 4386) is important for commercial and compliance-critical work.