Median pay
$59,310
Median annual pay for Carpenters.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗
View source ↗
Construction and Trades
Carpenters
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.
10-year growth
4.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗
View source ↗
Annual openings
74,100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗
View source ↗
Employment
959,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Carpenters in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗
View source ↗
Jobs added or lost
+43,100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗
View source ↗
Entry preparation
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Apprenticeship.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
View source ↗
View source ↗
O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Active Listening
- 2Critical Thinking
- 3Monitoring
- 4Reading Comprehension
- 5Speaking
- 6Active Learning
Knowledge areas
- 1Building and Construction
- 2Administration and Management
- 3Mathematics
- 4Design
- 5Engineering and Technology
- 6Public Safety and Security
Abilities
- 1Problem Sensitivity
- 2Visualization
- 3Finger Dexterity
- 4Manual Dexterity
- 5Near Vision
- 6Arm-Hand Steadiness
Career interests
- 1Realistic
- 2Conventional
- 3Artistic
- 4Investigative
- 5Social
- 6Enterprising
Work styles
- 1Dependability
- 2Attention to Detail
- 3Cautiousness
- 4Perseverance
- 5Integrity
- 6Stress Tolerance
Work activities
- 1Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- 2Getting Information
- 3Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- 4Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- 5Handling and Moving Objects
- 6Performing General Physical Activities
Work context
- 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 3Contact With Others
- 4Spend Time Standing
- 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- 6Health and Safety of Other Workers
Representative 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.
Software and tools
Intuit QuickBooks · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyBosch Punch ListCraftsman CD EstimatorDrawing and drafting softwareEstimating softwareJob costing softwareQuickenRenaissance MasterCarpenter
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.