Carpenters in Tennessee
Thinking about a career as a Carpenters in Tennessee? Here’s what the data says. 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 do Carpenters Make in Tennessee?
For carpenters working in Tennessee, the median annual wage is $49,520 per year (or roughly $23.81/hour).Earnings range from $35,980 at the 10th percentile to $64,800 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,980 | $17.30 |
| 25th percentile | $44,460 | $21.38 |
| Median (50th) | $49,520 | $23.81 |
| 75th percentile | $57,390 | $27.59 |
| 90th percentile | $64,800 | $31.16 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in Tennessee compared to the national average — is 0.59, suggesting fewer carpenters per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, carpenters earn a median of $42,458 per year ($20.41/hour), above the Tennessee median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 668,151 carpenters across the United States. In Tennessee alone, around 8,680 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 8,200 carpenters.
Top Tennessee Metros for Carpenters
The largest metro-area employers of carpenters in Tennessee.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN | 3,250 | $53,730 |
| Knoxville, TN | 1,330 | $49,480 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 1,130 | $50,360 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 580 | $48,480 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | 290 | $47,700 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 250 | $48,140 |
| Morristown, TN | 200 | $47,230 |
| Jackson, TN | 170 | $48,340 |
| Johnson City, TN | 170 | $47,120 |
| Cleveland, TN | 140 | $47,510 |
Top States for Carpenters Employment
The table below shows the states where the most carpenters work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 106,500 |
| New York | 44,500 |
| Florida | 44,130 |
| Texas | 34,400 |
| Pennsylvania | 29,900 |
| Washington | 26,340 |
| Illinois | 24,930 |
| Michigan | 21,550 |
| Massachusetts | 19,100 |
| Virginia | 18,340 |
| Arizona | 18,290 |
| Ohio | 17,280 |
| Oregon | 16,390 |
| Missouri | 16,390 |
| Wisconsin | 15,330 |
| Indiana | 15,200 |
| Minnesota | 15,190 |
| Utah | 14,040 |
| Colorado | 13,840 |
| Nevada | 13,420 |
Highest-Paying States for Carpenters
These states pay the most for carpenters.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $85,970 |
| Illinois | $76,410 |
| California | $74,820 |
| Washington | $73,260 |
| Massachusetts | $71,110 |
| District of Columbia | $66,100 |
| Alaska | $65,150 |
| Minnesota | $64,650 |
| New York | $63,660 |
| Connecticut | $63,510 |
Skills
Key carpenters skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for carpenters, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Carpenters typically:
- 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.
Work Activities
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Getting Information
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
- Processing Information
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Intuit QuickBooks
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
Related Careers
Related occupations to carpenters include:
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
- Tile and Stone Setters
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
- Construction Laborers
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
Also Known As
Aluminum Siding Applicator, Aluminum Siding Installer, Aluminum Siding Mechanic, Amusement and Recreational Prop Maker, Asbestos Siding Mechanic, Assembled Wood Products Repairer, Beam Builder, Boat Builder, Boat Carpenter, Boat Carpenter Mechanic, Boat Finisher, Boat Joiner, Boat Repairer, Boatwright, Bowling Alley Floors Installer.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 47-2031.00
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