What Does it Take to Be a Carpenter?
Position Description Help carpenters by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
A Day in the Life of a Carpenter
- Construct forms and assist in raising them to the required elevation.
- Fasten timbers or lumber with glue, screws, pegs, or nails and install hardware.
- Align, straighten, plumb, or square forms for installation.
- Cut timbers, lumber, or paneling to specified dimensions.
- Cover surfaces with laminated plastic covering material.
- Perform tie spacing layout and measure, mark, drill or cut.
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Carpenter Required Skills
These are the skills Carpenters say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Cabinetmaker Helper
- Carpenters Helper
- Form Setter/Driver
- Carpenter Mate
- Hardwood Floor Installation Helper
Is There Going to be Demand for Carpenters?
In the United States, there were 36,700 jobs for Carpenter in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,700 new jobs for Carpenter by 2026. There will be an estimated 5,900 positions for Carpenter per year.

The states with the most job growth for Carpenter are Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in New Mexico, Maine, or Louisiana. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Carpenter
The average yearly salary of a Carpenter ranges between $21,010 and $44,260.

Carpenters who work in Alaska, District of Columbia, or Wyoming, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Carpenters in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $26,030 |
Alaska | $37,890 |
Arizona | $34,080 |
Arkansas | $31,000 |
California | $36,150 |
Colorado | $34,490 |
Connecticut | $37,450 |
Delaware | $29,290 |
District of Columbia | $40,250 |
Florida | $28,400 |
Georgia | $27,220 |
Hawaii | $33,090 |
Idaho | $28,510 |
Illinois | $32,510 |
Indiana | $27,220 |
Iowa | $29,290 |
Kansas | $32,530 |
Kentucky | $29,380 |
Louisiana | $31,960 |
Maine | $30,110 |
Maryland | $31,040 |
Massachusetts | $39,660 |
Michigan | $28,590 |
Minnesota | $36,240 |
Mississippi | $30,450 |
Missouri | $38,220 |
Montana | $34,370 |
Nebraska | $25,830 |
Nevada | $29,150 |
New Hampshire | $35,020 |
New Jersey | $32,270 |
New Mexico | $27,430 |
New York | $32,050 |
North Carolina | $27,970 |
Ohio | $30,230 |
Oklahoma | $26,930 |
Oregon | $36,960 |
Pennsylvania | $34,210 |
Rhode Island | $33,040 |
South Carolina | $29,230 |
South Dakota | $26,230 |
Tennessee | $29,150 |
Texas | $32,630 |
Utah | $35,440 |
Vermont | $32,340 |
Virginia | $29,280 |
Washington | $35,030 |
West Virginia | $28,200 |
Wisconsin | $31,960 |
Wyoming | $37,560 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Carpenters
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Carpenters:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Linux
- UNIX
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Oracle software
- Salesforce software
- SAP software
- Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal
- Intuit Quicken
- Cost estimating software
- Job costing software
- Drawing and drafting software
Becoming a Carpenter
Learn what Carpenter education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Carpenters Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Carpenter might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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