What is the minimum hourly rate for a cabinet maker?

Cabinet makers are typically covered by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award. The minimum hourly rate depends on the classification level. As of 1 July 2026, award wages increased by 4.75%, so a qualified cabinet maker at a mid-level classification may earn around $28–$30 per hour. This is above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour. You can check the exact rate in the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide for the Manufacturing Award.

How is casual loading applied to a cabinet maker salary?

If you work as a casual cabinet maker, you are entitled to a 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate. For example, if the base award rate is $28 per hour, the casual rate becomes $35 per hour. This loading is meant to compensate for not receiving paid leave. When using our timesheet, you can check the 'casual loading' box to add 25% automatically. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading.

What is the annual salary for a cabinet maker earning $30 per hour?

Assuming a standard 38-hour week and 52 weeks per year, the annual gross salary would be $30 × 38 × 52 = $59,280. This is before tax and super. Superannuation is paid on top at 12% of ordinary earnings, so an additional $7,113.60 would go into your super fund. Your take-home pay after tax and Medicare levy would be less; use our take-home pay guide for an estimate.

Cabinet Maker Salary: How to Calculate Annual Pay from an Hourly Rate

For a cabinet maker on an award rate, the annual salary is the hourly rate multiplied by 38 hours per week and 52 weeks, before tax and super.

Understanding the Cabinet Maker Salary

If you're a cabinet maker or considering the trade, knowing how to turn an hourly rate into an annual salary is essential. Whether you're negotiating a job offer, comparing award rates, or planning your finances, the formula is straightforward: multiply your hourly rate by the hours you work each week, then by 52 weeks. This page explains the process using the standard 38-hour week, the difference between the National Minimum Wage and award rates, and how tax and super fit in.

The Basic Formula for a Cabinet Maker Salary

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52.

For a full-time cabinet maker, the typical week is 38 hours. So if you earn $28 per hour under the Manufacturing Award, your annual salary before deductions is:

$28 × 38 × 52 = $55,328.

This assumes you work every week at the same rate, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. It's a starting point for budgeting. You can also calculate your fortnightly pay by doubling the weekly amount: $28 × 38 = $1,064 per week, or $2,128 per fortnight.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 for a 38-hour week. However, most cabinet makers are covered by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award, which sets higher minimum rates. According to the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database, award rates are updated each year after the Annual Wage Review. The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides provide a simplified version of these rates. For a cabinet maker at a typical classification, the hourly rate is above the National Minimum Wage. Always check the specific award classification that applies to your role.

Casual Loading and Super

If you work as a casual cabinet maker, you receive a 25% loading on top of the base rate. For example, a base rate of $28 per hour becomes $35 per hour casual. This loading is separate from superannuation. Super is paid on top of your ordinary earnings at 12% (for 2026–27) up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. So on a $55,328 annual salary, your employer would contribute an extra $6,639.36 to your super fund. Use our super and packaging page to learn more.

Tax on a Cabinet Maker Salary

Your take-home pay depends on the 2026–27 resident tax rates. The first $18,200 is tax-free, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. A Medicare levy of 2% also applies. For a $55,328 salary, the tax would be roughly $6,000–$7,000, plus Medicare. Use our take-home pay guide for a detailed estimate. Remember, this is an estimate only; your actual tax may vary with deductions or the Medicare levy surcharge.

Using Our Timesheet and Reference Tables

Our timesheet lets you enter your hourly rate and see the annual, monthly, fortnightly, and weekly figures. If you're casual, check the box to add 25% loading. For award rates, refer to our pay guides or reference tables. You can also compare your cabinet maker salary with the average pay for all employees, which according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics was $2,083.70 per week for full-time adults in May 2026.

Fortnightly Pay and Budgeting

Many cabinet makers are paid fortnightly. To find your fortnightly gross pay, multiply your weekly pay by two. For a $28 per hour rate: $28 × 38 = $1,064 per week, so $2,128 per fortnight. After tax and super, your bank deposit will be lower. Knowing your fortnightly figure helps with budgeting for rent, bills, and savings.

Key Points to Remember

Always use the correct award classification for your role. The Manufacturing Award is the most common for cabinet makers.
Casual loading is added on top of the base rate; never enter a rate that already includes it.
Super is paid on top of your salary, not deducted from it.
The formula (hourly × 38 × 52) gives a gross annual estimate. For a precise figure, use our hourly conversion tool.
Check the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides and the Fair Work Commission's database for the most up-to-date award rates.

Whether you're starting an apprenticeship or a qualified tradesperson, understanding your cabinet maker salary helps you make informed decisions. Use the resources on this site to convert your hourly rate, compare with minimum standards, and plan your finances.