Furniture and Cabinet Making Rates
Furniture makers typically charge between $50 and $100 per hour. The exact amount depends on the complexity of the project, the materials used, and the maker’s experience and expertise. Expect to be charged a premium for custom cabinetry, anywhere from $120 per hour. For individual cabinets, expect to pay around:
- $100 to $300 per cabinet for small to mid-range renovations
- $300 to $500 per cabinet for major renovations
Woodworker Hourly Charges
How much should a woodworker charge per hour? In general, a woodworker should charge between $20-$60 per hour for basic woodworking tasks such as sawing, sanding, and assembling. For more specialized work like cabinetry and wood carving, rates can be higher.
The rate can vary depending on factors like:
- Type of work being done
- Level of the woodworker’s expertise
Less experienced woodworkers in rural areas may charge around $15 per hour, while highly skilled woodworkers in major cities can charge up to $50 per hour.
Furniture Making Salaries and Assembly Costs
Average Salary for a Furniture Maker:
- Furniture Makers in America make an average salary of $37,090 per year or $18 per hour.
- The top 10 percent makes over $47,000 per year.
- On the lower end, they can make $23,010 or $11 per hour, perhaps when just starting out.
Professional furniture assemblers will charge $40 to $75 per hour and may be able to assemble a bed in under two hours.
Pricing Artwork and Labor
For pricing artwork:
- Account for the hourly wage, hours worked and expenses.
- For example, with a wage of $30 per hour, 25 hours average work time per piece, and $50 in expenses, 25 x $30 = $750 wage + $50 expenses = $800 total price per artwork.
Calculate labor costs for a job:
- Industry average of $35 per hour
- Total hours for the job (e.g., 120), multiply by the hourly rate: $35 x 120 = $4,200
- Then mark up by 43% to achieve a 30% profit margin, resulting in $6,006.
How to Price Your Work as a Maker
- Know your costs
- Plan for the profit you want to make
- Set your labor rate equal to or greater than your current job salary
Calculating Handmade Labor Costs
Labor includes everything you do to create and ship your product:
- Brainwork (designing, sourcing materials, planning)
Setting Freelancer Prices
- Take into account all monthly costs and expenses
- Investigate average rates using resources like the Freelancer’s Union or GlassDoor
- Determine your hourly worth and set a price point based on value and resources
Conclusion
Your pricing strategy is individual and should take into account:
- Materials
- Profit margin
- Total hours worked including cleanup and communication
- Overhead costs
By considering these factors, you can establish fair prices for yourself and your clients, catering to those who value skilled craftsmanship.