Skilled Trades
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.
Median salary
$59,310
Typical range
$39k – $98k
Job outlook
+5% (faster than average)
AI exposure
Plan a path to Carpenters
Education
Typical entry: No degree required
Plan my path to this →Typical progression
Junior Carpenters
Entry / Junior
$38,760
~2 yrs to advance
Carpenters
Established
$59,310
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Carpenters
Senior
$78,840
Key skills
A typical day
- •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.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Skilled Trades
Explore all- Purdue University50% admit · $78,000 grad pay
- Ohio State University53% admit · $68,000 grad pay
- Pennsylvania State University55% admit · $70,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.