South Carolina's Cabinetmaking pathway develops skilled craftspeople for custom and production cabinet manufacturing. The state's furniture manufacturing heritage, particularly in the Piedmont region, continues to provide cabinetmaking opportunities.
Students learn wood selection, joinery techniques, finishing methods, and CAD-based design. They work with hand tools, power equipment, and CNC machines in school shops and manufacturing facilities.
Graduates work as cabinetmakers, furniture builders, production supervisors, or establish custom furniture businesses. Employment opportunities exist with cabinet manufacturers, furniture makers, construction companies, and architectural firms throughout South Carolina. Many advance to leadership roles in production facilities.
Cabinetmaking at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina cabinetmaking standards cover wood species identification, joinery methods, finishing techniques, and design principles. Standards integrate sustainable forestry practices and modern manufacturing technologies.
Students complete competency assessments in design projects, finishing techniques, and production efficiency. The standards include business management for independent craftspeople.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Cabinetmaking 1 |
| Cabinetmaking 2 |
| Cabinetmaking 3 |
| Cabinetmaking 4 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓NCCER Carpentry Level 2
- ✓NCCER HVAC Level 1
- ✓EPA 608 Certification
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - AutoCAD
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - Revit
- ✓NOCTI Building and Construction Occupations
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓NCCER Core
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Cabinet Maker
Entry LevelSalary range: $39,620 - $59,780
Adjusted for cost of living: $42,520
Production Lead
ExperiencedSalary range: $59,710 - $88,460
Adjusted for cost of living: $80,436
Custom Furniture Builder
ExperiencedAdjusted for cost of living: $48,294
Shop Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $66,730 - $148,690
Adjusted for cost of living: $106,611
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work at cabinet manufacturers, furniture builders, and custom woodworking shops throughout South Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Carpentry
South Carolina's Carpentry pathway develops skilled tradespeople for the state's robust construction industry. With significant residential and commercial development, particularly in Charleston, Columbia, and the Upstate, carpenter demand remains strong. Students master framing techniques, finish carpentry, blueprint reading, and building code compliance. They gain hands-on experience in school workshops and job sites, learning both traditional and modern construction methods. Graduates work as residential framers, finish carpenters, job supervisors, or start independent contracting businesses. Employment opportunities exist with general contractors, home builders, remodeling companies, and architectural firms throughout South Carolina. Many pursue master carpenter certifications.
Architecture & ConstructionArchitecture and Construction
South Carolina's Architecture and Construction pathway prepares students for careers in the state's thriving construction industry. This comprehensive program covers residential and commercial construction, carpentry, masonry, electrical systems, plumbing, and construction management. With South Carolina experiencing significant population growth and ongoing infrastructure development, the construction industry provides abundant career opportunities throughout the state. The pathway emphasizes both traditional construction crafts and modern building technologies including green building practices, building information modeling (BIM), and sustainable construction methods. Students gain hands-on experience through construction laboratory projects, actual building construction, and partnerships with local construction companies and contractors. The curriculum integrates safety training, blueprint reading, building codes, and construction mathematics essential for success in the trades. South Carolina's Construction Technology programs often involve students in community service projects, building real structures such as sheds, playhouses, or tiny homes that demonstrate mastery of construction skills while serving community needs. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment as apprentice tradespeople, continuation to construction management programs, or establishment of their own contracting businesses.
ConstructionMechatronics Technology
South Carolina's Mechatronics Technology pathway represents the state's commitment to advanced manufacturing excellence. As part of the modernized Advanced Manufacturing cluster, this program prepares students for high-demand careers in automated manufacturing systems that combine mechanical engineering, electronics, robotics, and computer control systems. The Palmetto State's strong manufacturing sector—including automotive, aerospace, and advanced materials production—creates substantial demand for skilled mechatronics technicians. Students in this pathway gain hands-on experience with industrial robots, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and computer-aided manufacturing equipment. The curriculum balances theoretical understanding with practical application, preparing students for industry certifications and immediate employment or advanced postsecondary education in engineering technology. South Carolina's strategic location as a southeastern manufacturing hub, combined with major investments from companies like BMW, Boeing, and Volvo, creates exceptional career opportunities for mechatronics graduates. The pathway's emphasis on emerging technologies like Industry 4.0, IoT integration, and smart manufacturing systems ensures students are prepared for the future of manufacturing.
Advanced ManufacturingReady to Build Cabinetmaking Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Cabinetmaking in South Carolina.