Carpenter
Quick Facts
Median Salary$56,772
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+11.67%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Carpenter builds and repairs wood frameworks or structures for houses and buildings, or builds and installs wood cabinets, furniture or other fixtures. May specialize in residential, commercial or industrial carpentry.
Core 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.
- Install structures or fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware, using carpenters' hand or power tools.
- Maintain records, document actions, and present written progress reports.
- Remove damaged or defective parts or sections of structures and repair or replace, using hand tools.
- Maintain job records and schedule work crew.
- Anchor and brace forms and other structures in place, using nails, bolts, anchor rods, steel cables, planks, wedges, and timbers.
- Bore boltholes in timber, masonry or concrete walls, using power drill.
- Install rough door and window frames, subflooring, fixtures, or temporary supports in structures undergoing construction or repair.
- Dig or direct digging of post holes and set poles to support structures.
What to expect as a Carpenter
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
13% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Carpenter related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
3757 openings for Carpenters
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Carpenter. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.