Carpenter Career
The work that a carpenter does can vary greatly from one job site to the next. While some work primarily with wood, others also install insulation, drywall, and even windows. There are three primary divisions of carpenters: residential, commercial, and industrial.
Residential carpenters usually specialize in individual home construction. Commercial carpenters typically work in business environments where they construct offices and other public buildings. Industrial carpenters may work on large city buildings by constructing the scaffolding and supports for metal-workers and other construction workers.
Carpenter Career Snapshot
A career in carpentry allows people to experience any number of work environments from work in the city to work in rural areas, (although most self-employed carpenters work primarily in residential construction). Carpenters can also do outdoor work on bridges and highways. In some situations, a carpenter needs to be comfortable working in cramped or uncomfortable conditions, as some work must be done in close quarters or in unpleasant weather. Most carpenters are able to work full-time, although in some cases their work schedules may be dictated by weather.
Further details on a career as a construction carpenter are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the typical annual salary for carpenters.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
have a High school diploma while 18% have less than a High school diploma.
Carpenter Education
Most carpentry jobs require at least a high school diploma, and at least one year of apprenticeship or job-related experience working under a more experienced carpenter. Oftentimes skills in mathematics and an ability to read and understand blueprints can be helpful. Carpenters should also be well-acquainted with safety procedures.
Carpenter Job Duties
Most carpentry jobs require at least a high school diploma, and at least one year of apprenticeship or job-related experience working under a more experienced carpenter. Oftentimes skills in mathematics and an ability to read and understand blueprints can be helpful. Carpenters should also be well-acquainted with safety procedures.
Carpenter Salaries
The average salary for carpenters as of 2015 was $42,090 according to BLS.gov reports. The lower end is about $26,220, while the higher end is around $76,750. Nonresidential carpenters typically make more than residential.
Carpenter Job Outlook
The carpentry profession has an expected growth of about 6% between 2014 and 2024 (which is average for most jobs). Each year more carpenters leave the profession and need to be replaced by others. This profession can also be expected to grow steadily over time as more people decide to renovate their homes or build new office spaces.
Carpenter Skills & Traits
| Construction Carpenter Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Construction Carpenters: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Active Listening • Monitoring • Speaking • Active Learning • Complex Problem Solving | • Manual Dexterity • Problem Sensitivity • Trunk Strength • Visualization • Information Ordering | • Ladders • Levels • Power saws • Screwdrivers • Tape measures | • Getting Information • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material • Performing General Physical Activities • Handling and Moving Objects • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work |
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