Carpenters

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $60,580/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$40,410$99,910

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +4.5% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.

About 74,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Active ListeningMonitoringCritical ThinkingCoordinationReading ComprehensionSpeakingQuality Control AnalysisComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningMathematics

Top knowledge areas

Building and ConstructionMathematicsAdministration and ManagementDesignEngineering and TechnologyPublic Safety and SecurityMechanicalEducation and Training

Core tasks

• Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.

• Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.

• Assemble and fasten materials to make frameworks or props, using hand tools and wood screws, nails, dowel pins, or glue.

• Study specifications in blueprints, sketches, or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.

• Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.

• Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.

• Inspect ceiling or floor tile, wall coverings, siding, glass, or woodwork to detect broken or damaged structures.

• Erect scaffolding or ladders for assembling structures above ground level.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Carpenters?

The median pay for Carpenters is $60,580 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Carpenters?

Employment for Carpenters is projected to change +4.5% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Carpenters?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Carpenters?

About 74,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.