Carpenters

At a glance

  • Median Salary
    $46,456
  • Local Jobs
    1,839
  • Entry-Level Education
    High School
carpenters sanding a board

Occupation Profile

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.

By the Numbers

Daily 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.
  • Install structures or fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware, using carpenters’ hand or power tools.
  • Maintain records, document actions, and present written progress reports.
  • Remove damaged or defective parts or sections of structures and repair or replace, using hand tools.
  • Maintain job records and schedule work crew.
  • Anchor and brace forms and other structures in place, using nails, bolts, anchor rods, steel cables, planks, wedges, and timbers.
  • Bore boltholes in timber, masonry or concrete walls, using power drill.
  • Install rough door and window frames, subflooring, fixtures, or temporary supports in structures undergoing construction or repair.
  • Dig or direct digging of post holes and set poles to support structures.

Occupational Skills

What skills are necessary for a Carpenters career?

Hard Skills

  • Balancing (Ledger/Billing)
  • Carpentry
  • Construction
  • Fall Protection
  • Framer
  • Hand Saw
  • Hand Tools
  • Painting
  • Power Tool Operation
  • Sawing

Soft Skills

  • Arithmetic
  • Communications
  • Customer Service
  • Detail Oriented
  • Lifting Ability
  • Loading And Unloading
  • Management
  • Planning
  • Scheduling
  • Valid Driver's License

Hard skills are specific, learnable, measurable, often industry- or occupation-specific abilities related to a position.

Soft skills can be self-taught and usually do not necessitate a certain completed level of education. They are essential in many industries and occupations.

Educational Programs

  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    CECertificate6 weeksNoYes
  • Learn more aboutCarpenters

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