Money · 1 of 5

What cabinetmakers make

Journeyperson

$50,000

1st-year apprentice

$35,000

Shop lead or CNC (computer-controlled cutting machine) programmer

$70,000

Be honest with yourself: this trade pays less than electricians, plumbers or crane operators. The top end is shop leads, CNC (computer-controlled cutting machine) programmers and owners of a successful custom shop.