What You Need to Know About Carpenter
Career Description Help carpenters by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
A Day in the Life of a Carpenter
- Install handrails under the direction of a carpenter.
- Position and hold timbers, lumber, or paneling in place for fastening or cutting.
- Select tools, equipment, or materials from storage and transport items to work site.
- Cover surfaces with laminated plastic covering material.
- Glue and clamp edges or joints of assembled parts.
- Cut and install insulating or sound-absorbing material.
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Qualities of a Carpenter
When polled, Carpenters say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Types of Carpenter Jobs
- Carpenter/Labor
- Carpenter Helper
- Joiner Helper
- Building Carpenter Helper
- Carpenter’s Helper
Are There Job Opportunities 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. There will be an estimated 5,900 positions for Carpenter per 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.
Salary for a Carpenter
The average yearly salary of a Carpenter ranges between $21,010 and $44,260.

Carpenters who work in Alaska, District of Columbia, or Wyoming, make the highest salaries.
How much do Carpenters make in different U.S. states?
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
How do I Become 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:

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Carpenter may also be interested in:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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