I'm out of the house and on the road by 4:30 a.m. I spend my days answering calls and emails in order to get out in front of projects. It's my goal to organize and create work opportunities for the membership by connecting with others, like elected officials, for example.
CAREER
Carpenters
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$49,520
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
-0.4% (little or no change)
Most Common Level of Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Carpenters Do
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.
Other Job Titles Carpenters May Have
Assembler, Bridge Carpenter, Bridge Repair Crew Person, Cabinet Maker, Carpenter, Concrete Carpenter, Construction Worker, Form Carpenter, Framer, Rough Carpenter
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I open my work shop with my coffee or water in my hand, depending on time of year. I generally have a project on my workbench waiting. My work calendar is planned out 3 months in advance, so I usually know what I will be doing. By 2PM I close up the shop and go to my office where I do design work until 4PM or until I finish the current project. I find by staying very structured with my time it allows me to work fewer days per week, I spend the remaining days with my family and friends.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
- Study specifications in blueprints, sketches, or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
- Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
- Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
- Install structures or fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware, using carpenters' hand or power tools.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Carpenters
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (42%)
Less than high school diploma
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Hard work and good work ethic have been very important throughout my career journey. These are qualities that will get you far in the trades.
The number one thing is good body mechanics. I do a lot of lifting and standing. If you don't know how to handle your body, you don't belong in the workshop. Secondly, learn to experiment with your projects. What you call failures are only stepping stones to advancing your knowledge. I have learned much from my mistakes! Lastly, enjoy the process. For me it is not the end product that I strive for. From design to purchasing the supplies and throughout the building process I enjoy myself.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Find a good finish carpenter and beg to become their apprentice. Start early, in Middle School even. Do it for free, the knowledge is priceless. Listen to every word, keep notes, and when you buy tools get the absolute best ones you can afford. Cheap tools are not worth the irritation they will cause you.
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.