Construction and extraction
Carpenter
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.
Median pay
$60,580
Growth to 2035
+4%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
62,800
Time to qualify*
4 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Carpenter
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Apprenticeship
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Carpenter: 37% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
- Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
- Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
- Select and order lumber or other required materials.
- Install structures or fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware, using carpenters' hand or power tools.
- Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.
- Arrange for subcontractors to deal with special areas, such as heating or electrical wiring work.
- Build or repair cabinets, doors, frameworks, floors, or other wooden fixtures used in buildings, using woodworking machines, carpenter's hand tools, or power tools.
Also called: Bridge Carpenter · Cabinet Maker · Carpentry Construction Specialist · Concrete Carpenter · Construction Carpenter · Finish Carpenter · Form Carpenter · Maintenance Carpenter
Outlook and AI
Carpenters held 889,700 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 924,700 by 2035 (+4%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Carpenter vs. Drywall and ceiling tile installers
- Carpenter vs. Structural iron and steel workers
- Carpenter vs. Brickmasons and blockmasons
- Carpenter vs. Sheet metal worker
- Carpenter vs. Structural metal fabricators and fitters
- Carpenter vs. Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters
- Carpenter vs. Layout workers, metal and plastic
- Carpenter vs. Carpenter helper
- Carpenter vs. Helpers--brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters
- Carpenter vs. Construction laborer