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.

$59,310
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+4% projected 2024โ€“2034
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Carpenters shape and assemble the wooden frameworks that give buildings their structure and form. They measure, cut, and install materials like lumber, plywood, and drywall to create everything from floor joists and wall frames to staircases, door frames, and cabinetry. On residential projects, they might frame an entire house, install kitchen cabinets, or build custom shelving. Commercial carpenters often work on larger structures, creating concrete forms for foundations or installing partitions in office buildings. Their days involve reading blueprints, using power tools like circular saws and nail guns, and ensuring every piece fits precisely with accurate measurements.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Carpenters(associates)Ivy Tech Community College, IN
$51,104
Carpenters(associates)Hawkeye Community College, IA
$44,602
Carpenters(certificate)St Cloud Technical and Community College, MN
$43,440
Carpenters(certificate)Western Technical College, WI
$43,008
Carpenters(associates)Triangle Tech Inc-Bethlehem, PA
$40,572
Carpenters(associates)Triangle Tech Inc-Greensburg, PA
$40,572
Carpenters(associates)Fort Hays State University-Northwest Kansas Technical College, KS
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, KY
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)Fort Hays Tech North Central, KS
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)Coffeyville Community College, KS
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)Cuyahoga Community College District, OH
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)Delta College, MI
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)American River College, CA
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)Flint Hills Technical College, KS
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)Coahoma Community College, MS
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)College of Southern Nevada, NV
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)Bluegrass Community and Technical College, KY
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)American Samoa Community College, AS
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)Bakersfield College, CA
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)Aaniiih Nakoda College, MT
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)Arizona Western College, AZ
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)Bates Technical College, WA
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)College of the Redwoods, CA
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)Collin County Community College District, TX
$39,420
Carpenters(associates)Bob Jones University, SC
$39,420

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