All Careers › Carpenter

Carpenter

Carpenters build and repair frameworks and structures — from house framing and cabinets to concrete forms. It's creative, physical work with a clear path from helper to skilled craftsperson.

Median Salary
$60,580/yr
Typical Range
$40,410 – $99,910
Job Outlook
As fast as average

What does a Carpenter do?

  • Measure, cut, and assemble wood and other materials
  • Read blueprints and building plans
  • Frame walls, install fixtures, and finish surfaces
  • Use hand and power tools safely

Education & training

High school diploma; skills learned on the job or via apprenticeship

How to become a Carpenter

  1. Take woodworking or construction classes in high school
  2. Find a helper or laborer job to learn on-site
  3. Consider a carpentry apprenticeship for structured training
  4. Build a portfolio of finished projects

Skills that help

MathHand-eye coordinationAttention to detailPhysical strengthProblem-solving

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National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer, and experience.

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