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Career overview · SOC 47-2031

Carpenters

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.

Also called: Bridge Carpenter · Cabinet Maker · Carpenter · Concrete Carpenter · Construction Carpenter · Form Carpenter

Median pay (national)
$59,310
$38,760–$98,370 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
697,740
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+4.5%
~74,100 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for carpenters shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $98,370 versus $38,760 at the bottom 10% — 2.5x. The median of $59,310 leaves roughly 66% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +4.5% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 74,100 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 54 states with released data, Hawaii pays the most for this role (median $85,970, +45% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $28,190 — a 205% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Mathematics
  • Active Learning
  • Writing
  • Learning Strategies
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Tools & technology

  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Bosch Punch List
  • Craftsman CD Estimator
  • Drawing and drafting software
  • Estimating software
  • Job costing software
  • Quicken
  • Renaissance MasterCarpenter
  • Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal
  • VirtualBoss
  • Web browser software
  • Wilhelm Publishing Threshold
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word

Knowledge areas

  • Building and Construction
  • Administration and Management
  • Mathematics
  • Design
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Mechanical
  • Education and Training