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.
Carpenters
SOC: 47-2031 O*NET: 47-2031.00
Median Salary
$59,310
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.5%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
74.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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.
What does a Carpenters do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$38,760
10th percentile
Early Career
$47,550
25th percentile
Median
$59,310
50th percentile
Experienced
$75,620
75th percentile
Top Earners
$98,370
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$38,760
25th
$47,550
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$59,310
Mean: $64,040
75th
$75,620
90th
$98,370
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $59,610 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $47,550 and $75,620
- •Salary spread is 47.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 697,740 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:959,000
Top Industries
Construction85.2%
Construction of Buildings47.4%
Specialty Trade Contractors33.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.5%
Annual Openings:74,100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)959,000
Current
2034 (Projected)1,002,100
+4.5%
+43,100
Employment Change
+4.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Carpenters professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
106,500 jobs$74,8201.30x
New York
44,500 jobs$63,6601.03x
Florida
44,130 jobs$48,0800.99x
Texas
34,400 jobs$48,1500.55x
Pennsylvania
29,900 jobs$59,2401.10x
Washington
26,340 jobs$73,2601.64x
Illinois
24,930 jobs$76,4100.91x
Michigan
21,550 jobs$61,4101.08x
Massachusetts
19,100 jobs$71,1101.16x
Virginia
18,340 jobs$50,2201.00x
Arizona
18,290 jobs$54,5401.26x
Ohio
17,280 jobs$58,3100.69x
Oregon
16,390 jobs$61,1701.84x
Missouri
16,390 jobs$61,1501.24x
Wisconsin
15,330 jobs$60,3901.16x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Monitoring
86%
#4
Coordination
80%
#5
Speaking
74%
#6
Quality Control Analysis
66%
#7
Reading Comprehension
60%
#8
Judgment and Decision Making
54%
#9
Active Learning
46%
#10
Mathematics
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Coordination
intermediate4.0
80%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.3
66%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.0
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Coordination
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Mathematics
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers82%
5 shared skills
Forest and Conservation Workers80%
5 shared skills
Sheet Metal Workers73%
5 shared skills
Accountants and Auditors67%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Inspectors67%
5 shared skills
Precision Agriculture Technicians67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Coordination
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Reading Comprehension
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Coordination
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Carpenters
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🌤️
Location
MOSTLY OUTDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly outdoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Planning & Development (2)General Responsibilities (16)
1
Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Study specifications in blueprints, sketches, or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Install structures or fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware, using carpenters' hand or power tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Select and order lumber or other required materials.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Arrange for subcontractors to deal with special areas, such as heating or electrical wiring work.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Maintain records, document actions, and present written progress reports.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform84%
10
Build or repair cabinets, doors, frameworks, floors, or other wooden fixtures used in buildings, using woodworking machines, carpenter's hand tools, or power tools.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Carpenters
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Carpenters professionals typically have a RCA Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
AArtistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Carpenters
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.67
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.45
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.19
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.14
Achievement/Effort
Very ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.13
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.04
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.7
Dependability
4.5
Cooperation
4.2
Initiative
4.1
Achievement/Effort
4.1
Stress Tolerance
4.0
Integrity
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0
Persistence
4.0
Self-Control
4.0
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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