The future is in your hands.
 
 
 

Carpenters

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DESCRIPTION

Carpenters construct, erect, install, and repair structures and fixtures of wood, plywood, and wallboard, using carpenter's hand tools and power tools.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • 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.

SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

  • Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
  • Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
  • Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

  • Ladders — Extension ladders; Fold-up ladders; Non-conducting ladders 
  • Levels — Calibrating electronic levels; Laser levels; Torpedo levels; Visible beam laser levels 
  • Power saws — Beam saws; Circular saws; Reciprocating saws; Worm-drive saws 
  • Screwdrivers — Multi-tip screwdrivers; Phillips head screwdrivers; Straight screwdrivers 
  • Tape measures — Cross-curve tape measures; Measuring tapes; Story pole tape measures 

AT A GLANCE

AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE

The average annual wage is $43,600 or $20.96/hour.

SALARY RANGE

Annual salaries range betweeen $27,070 and $79,480.

JOB OPENINGS (THROUGH 2026)

104,900

DEMAND (THROUGH 2026)

★★✩✩ Moderate

EDUCATION & TRAINING REQUIRED

On average, 54% had a high school diploma or equivalent. These occupations usually require a high school diploma. Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.