Architecture & ConstructionSouth Carolina

Cabinetmaking in South Carolina

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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.

View South Carolina CTE Framework →

Typical Course Sequence

Course
Cabinetmaking 1
Cabinetmaking 2
Cabinetmaking 3
Cabinetmaking 4

View South Carolina course standards →

Industry Certifications & Credentials

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 Level
$39,620in South Carolina
National: $47,550-17%

Salary range: $39,620 - $59,780

Adjusted for cost of living: $42,520

+1% growth800 openings/yr
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Production Lead

Experienced
$74,950in South Carolina
National: $71,190+5%

Salary range: $59,710 - $88,460

Adjusted for cost of living: $80,436

+2.5% growth3,700 openings/yr
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Custom Furniture Builder

Experienced
$45,000in South Carolina

Adjusted for cost of living: $48,294

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Shop Manager

Experienced
$99,340in South Carolina
National: $102,950-4%

Salary range: $66,730 - $148,690

Adjusted for cost of living: $106,611

+0.4% growth4,100 openings/yr
Search jobs on Indeed →

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 & Construction

Architecture 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.

Construction

Mechatronics 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 Manufacturing

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