Carpenters

Overview

Carpenters has a national median salary of $60,580 per year, with +3.9% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.

Work Values

• Support
• Independence
• Working Conditions

Work Styles

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
• Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
• Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
• Select and order lumber or other required materials.
• Install structures or fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware, using carpenters' hand or power tools.

Work Activities

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Getting Information
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
• Handling and Moving Objects
• Performing General Physical Activities
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Detailed Work Activities

• Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a bachelor's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Bachelor's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for a high school diploma or equivalent.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Carpenters:

Video Resources