Carpenter

Your Fit

Income

$59K

Preparation

Some

Growth

0.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Carpenter?

A Carpenter is a skilled tradesperson who constructs, installs, and repairs structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. This profession combines manual skill with creativity to build and maintain buildings, furniture, and more.

Sample job titles:

Cabinet Maker, Carpenter, Form Carpenter, Scaffold Builder

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Carpenter.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Carpenter earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$39K per year	$48K per year	$59K per year	$76K per year	$98K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $9.81K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Carpenter do?

Work environment

Carpenters typically work on construction sites, both in residential and commercial settings. The work environment can be indoor or outdoor, and it often involves working at heights or in various weather conditions. Safety is a key concern due to the use of power tools and the physical nature of the work.

Quick task list

Reads and interprets blueprints and building plans.
Measures, cuts, and shapes wood, drywall, and other materials.
Installs structures and fixtures, such as windows and molding.
Inspects and replaces damaged framework or other structures and fixtures.
Works with a variety of tools and machines, from simple hand tools to large power tools.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Residential Carpentry: Building and repairing houses and other residential structures.
Commercial Carpentry: Working on larger commercial projects like office buildings or schools.
Finish Carpentry: Specializing in the finer details of a project, such as molding and trim.
Rough Carpentry: Focusing on the structural aspects of a build, like framing.
Cabinetmaking: Specializing in building and installing cabinets and other furniture.

Description

Carpentry is a diverse and dynamic trade that is essential in the construction industry. Carpenters are known for their ability to transform raw materials into finished structures and products. This trade requires not only physical strength and endurance but also precision and attention to detail. Carpenters must understand building materials, construction techniques, and tools, as well as be able to read and interpret blueprints and other construction documents.

The work is often collaborative, requiring good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team. Carpenters must also be adaptable, as they may work on a variety of projects, each with its unique challenges and requirements. This trade offers a blend of indoor and outdoor work, providing a change of scenery and tasks which can be appealing to many.

As technology evolves, so does the field of carpentry. Modern carpenters may use advanced tools and technologies, such as computer-aided design (CAD) software, making the ability to continually learn and adapt a vital part of the job.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The tangible results of creating and building structures and items.
Variety in daily tasks and working environments.
Opportunities for creativity and problem-solving.
The pride of craftsmanship and contributing to important construction projects.

You might make a good Carpenter if you are...

Skilled with your hands and enjoy building or crafting items.
Physically fit and able to handle the demands of the job.
Detail-oriented and able to follow complex instructions.
A problem-solver who enjoys overcoming challenges.
Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

Pros:

High demand for skilled carpenters in the construction industry.
Opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Satisfaction in seeing the direct results of your work.

Cons:

Physically demanding and sometimes hazardous work conditions.
Potential for irregular hours or seasonal fluctuations in work.
Risk of injury from tools and machinery.

How to become a Carpenter

Typical education

Carpentry usually requires a high school diploma followed by a formal apprenticeship program. This combination of education and hands-on training typically takes about 3-4 years to complete.

High school preparation

Courses:

Woodshop or industrial arts to develop basic skills.
Mathematics for measurements and calculations.
Technical drawing or drafting to understand blueprints.

**Extra-Curricular Activities: - Participating in construction or carpentry clubs. - Volunteering for community service projects that involve building or repair work. - Engaging in sports or physical activities to build stamina and physical strength.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a formal apprenticeship program through a trade union, community college, or trade school.
Gain certifications in specialized areas of carpentry, such as green building practices.
Seek entry-level positions or internships to gain hands-on experience and skill development.

More resources

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) - Offers training programs and resources for carpenters.
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) - Provides educational resources and industry updates for those in the building trades.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Offers guidelines and resources for safety in construction.
International Woodworking Fair (IWF) - A leading trade show for furniture manufacturing, cabinetry, and woodworking.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.