What Do Carpenter Do?
Job Description & Duties Help carpenters by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
What Do Carpenters Do On a Daily Basis?
- Cut tile or linoleum to fit and spread adhesives on flooring for installation.
- Cover surfaces with laminated plastic covering material.
- Hold plumb bobs, sighting rods, or other equipment to aid in establishing reference points and lines.
- Fasten timbers or lumber with glue, screws, pegs, or nails and install hardware.
- Align, straighten, plumb, or square forms for installation.
- Clean work areas, machines, or equipment, to maintain a clean and safe job site.
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What Every Carpenter Should Know
Carpenters state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Related Job Titles
- Hardwood Floor Installation Helper
- Carpenter Assistant, Installer
- Carpenter Helper
- Cooper Helper
- Form Setter
Are There Job Opportunities for Carpenters?
There were about 36,700 jobs for Carpenter in 2016 (in the United States). 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 typical yearly salary for Carpenters is somewhere between $21,010 and $44,260.

Carpenters who work in Alaska, District of Columbia, or Wyoming, make the highest salaries.
How much do Carpenters make 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
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Carpenters may use on a daily basis:
- 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
- Drawing and drafting software
- Job costing software
Becoming a Carpenter
Education needed to be a Carpenter:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Carpenter?

Who Employs Carpenters?

Carpenters work in the following industries:

Related Careers
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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