Life As a Carpenter
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.
- Cut timbers, lumber, or paneling to specified dimensions.
- Position and hold timbers, lumber, or paneling in place for fastening or cutting.
- Clean work areas, machines, or equipment, to maintain a clean and safe job site.
- Glue and clamp edges or joints of assembled parts.
- Construct forms and assist in raising them to the required elevation.
Featured schools near , edit
Skills Needed to be a Carpenter
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
- Carpenter Helper
- Carpenter Mate
- Beam Builder Helper
- Hanger
- Timber Framer Helper
Is There Job 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 5,900 job openings in this field each 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.
Average Carpenters Salary
Carpenters make between $21,010 and $44,260 a year.

Carpenters who work in Alaska, District of Columbia, or Wyoming, make the highest salaries.
How much do Carpenters make in each U.S. state?
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 |
What Tools do Carpenters Use?
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
Are there Carpenters education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become a Carpenter?

Where do Carpenters Work?

Below are examples of industries where Carpenters 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
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |