Does working with saws and lathes get your motor running? Get started on a path that’ll have you doing a jig everyday.
Cabinetmaking and Millwork Image of Instructor and Student
91%
Work Local
91% of our recent graduates work in Wisconsin.
$48k
Annual Salary
Our recent graduates of this program reported an average starting salary of $48,120.
Nationally recognized program
The cabinetmaking program is nationally recognized as one of the top programs in the country.

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Cabinetmaking and Millwork
Program Number: 314092
Your Degree:
Technical Diploma
Area of Study:
Construction, Manufacturing and Maintenance
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
32 Credits | Finish diploma in 1 year
financial aid icon Financial Aid Available
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What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.

Estimated Program Cost

$5,954.68

Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid and scholarships help you pay for your education.
  • Program Overview

    The Cabinetmaking and Millwork program at Madison College will arm you with a strong understanding of modern woodworking techniques and equip you for success as a cabinetmaker, finish carpenter, or one of many other jobs that make use of this knowledge. As a student in Cabinetmaking and Millwork, you will: 

    • Build knowledge and skills necessary to plan and complete cabinetry, furniture and millwork projects.
    • Learn the fundamentals of working with wood – from planning a project to adding the finishing details – all in our well-equipped lab.  
    • Understand how to work with prints, specifications and shop drawings.  
    • Practice selecting proper materials, determining the best procedures, manufacturing parts to specification, and assembling and finishing individual projects.  
    • Learn to plan and process wood in the most efficient manner using traditional woodworking equipment and hand tools, as well as the latest computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinery and software.  
    • Gain practical experience in a variety of large-scale projects through partnerships with area businesses and local and state agencies.
    • Work both individually and in teams to plan, estimate and execute woodworking projects. 

    Project profits are used to fund scholarships and activities for students in the Cabinetmaking and Millwork program at Madison Area Technical College.  

    Program Details

    Students in Cabinetmaking and Millwork program can attend full-time.

    Cabinetmaking and Millwork program classes are offered at our Madison Truax campus.

    Careers

    Earning your one-year technical diploma in the Cabinetmaking and Millwork program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as:  

    • Cabinetmaker
    • Finish Carpenter
    • Architectural Woodworker
    • Finishing Specialist
    • Fixtures Manufacturer
    • CAD/CAM Operator

    With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:

    • Master Carpenter
    • Shop Supervisor
    • Journey-Level Finish Carpenter
    Busellato CNC machining center
    Facilities
    Madison College's Cabinetmaking and Millwork lab has state-of-the-art tools, equipment and technology.
    Cabinetmaking and Millwork | Madison College
    iframe added here via JS.
    "It's a great expression of creativity. If you like puzzles and thinking things through, I'm sure any trade is right for you."
    Zach D.
    Madison College Cabinetmaking / Millwork Student
  • Curriculum and Experience

    Learn about the courses you’ll take and the skills you’ll develop Cabinetmaking and Millwork program.

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

    Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

    • Progress toward your specific requirements
    • Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

    If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.

    First Semester
    31-409-337
    1 credit
    31-409-342
    1 credit
    31-409-100
    1 credit
    31-409-381
    1 credit
    31-409-382
    1 credit
    Second Semester
    31-409-101
    1 credit
    31-409-102
    1 credit
    31-409-340
    1 credit
    31-409-383
    1 credit
    31-409-384
    1 credit
    Small Class Sizes
    Provide many opportunities for one-on-one instruction!
    Wood Moves
    iframe added here via JS.

    Check out the scenes from a typical day in the Cabinetmaking Lab at Madison College.

  • Admission

    To Apply

    Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!

    International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.

    Application Dates

    Spring 2025

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is January 15, 2025

    Fall 2025

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is August 31, 2025

    Admission Requirements

    All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

    1. Admission Application

    The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.

    2. Education Completion
    Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and indicate one of the following:

    • High school transcript (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
    • GED/HSED transcript
    • College transcript(s) showing:
      • Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
      • At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
        • The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
        • Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum

    All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.

    Additional Notes

    • Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
    • Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.

    After Acceptance

    Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College. 

    Questions?

    Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your woodworking career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Career Outcomes

    MATC Cabinetmaking and Millwork program graduates are prepared to:  

    • Follow standard safety procedures while operating and maintaining tools and machinery.
    • Produce high-quality products using appropriate tools and equipment, maintaining tolerances and standards, and using time, motion and materials efficiently.
    • Visualize, design, plan and complete projects that meet clients’ expectations.
    • Interpret technical drawings and specifications necessary to create, modify and assemble products.
    • Communicate clearly and effectively with clients and co-workers.
    • Contribute to a dynamic and energetic workplace by following instructions, accepting responsibility and working both collaboratively and independently, as required.
    • Engage in lifelong learning in order to advance technical, personal and professional skills.
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    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      202120222023
      Number of Program Graduates1599
      Number of Surveys Sent1599
      Number of Surveys Returned1588
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment1576
      Percent Available for Employment100.0%87.5%75.0%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market0.0%12.5%25.0%
      Available for Employment

      202120222023
      Graduates Employed1366
      Percent of Graduates Employed86.7%85.7%100.0%
      Employed in Related Occupation1045
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation76.9%66.7%83.3%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation321
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation23.1%33.3%16.7%
      Employed - No Response000
      Percent Employed - No Response0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Seeking Employment210
      Percent Seeking Employment13.3%14.3%0.0%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202120222023
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.53.63.5
      Number of Satisfaction Responses1588
      Very Satisfied (4)1156
      Percent Very Satisfied73.3%62.5%75.0%
      Satisfied (3)231
      Percent Satisfied13.3%37.5%12.5%
      Unsatisfied (2)000
      Percent Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Very Unsatisfied (1)
      Percent Very Unsatisfied13.3%0.0%12.5%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202120222023
      Number of Primary Reason Responses1588
      Preparation for Getting a Job
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job
      Career Change
      Percent Career Change
      Improvement of Existing Skills
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills
      Preparation for Further Education
      Percent Preparation for Further Education
      Personal Interest
      Percent Personal Interest
      Other
      Percent Other0.0%0.0%0.0%
      When Employment was Obtained

      202120222023
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses1366
      Before Enrollment331
      Percent Before Enrollment23.1%50.0%16.7%
      While Attending the College101
      Percent While Attending the College7.7%0.0%16.7%
      After Training at the College934
      Percent After Training at the College69.2%50.0%66.7%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202120222023
      Number of Employment Location Responses1366
      In College District954
      Percent In College District69.2%83.3%66.7%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District211
      Percent of In Wisconsin15.4%16.7%16.7%
      Outside of Wisconsin201
      Percent Outside Wisconsin15.4%0.0%16.7%
      Employer Location Unknown000
      Percent Location Unknown0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202120222023
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count744
      Average Monthly Wage$4,159$3,128$4,010
      Average Hourly Wage$24.18$18.19$23.31
      Average Work Hours per Week42.539.540.8
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count21
      Average Hourly Wage$19.81$22.15
      Average Work Hours per Week25.016.0
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2023
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Blue Terra DesignCarpenter
      County Line DesignLine WorkerSun Prairie
      JG Custom CabinetryWoodworkerNeenah
      Madison Area Technical CollegeLaboratory Coordinator
      Navy PaddlesWoodworkerSun Prairie

      * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.

      ** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.

      *** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu

Ready to get started?
Your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply, so get started today!
Contact the School of Technologies and Trades

Madison Truax Campus
Main Building, A2105

1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

tandt@madisoncollege.edu
608.246.6800

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (phone or email only)