Carpenters

Carpenters cut, shape, level, and fasten together pieces of wood and other construction materials, such as wallboard, plywood, and insulation. Many carpenters work on constructing, remodeling, or repairing houses and other kinds of buildings. Other carpenters work at construction sites where roads, bridges, docks, boats, mining tunnels, and wooden vats are built. They may specialize in building the rough framing of a structure, and thus be considered rough carpenters, or they may specialize in the finishing details of a structure, such as the trim around doors and windows, and be finish carpenters. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, approximately 718,730 carpenters work in the United States.

Salary Range

Below $25,000 to $100,000

Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma

Certification/License

Recommended

Outlook

Faster than the Average

Personality Traits

Hands On

Realistic

Technical

Career Ladder

Independent Contractor

General Construction Supervisor

Supervising Carpenter

Journeyman Carpenter

Apprentice Carpenter