Carpenter

Build the structures people live and work in.

Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood, steel framing, and other materials. From residential framing to commercial finish work, carpentry is one of the largest and most versatile building trades. This 2026 guide covers how to train, what to expect on the job, and where the career can take you.

What Does a Carpenter Do?

Carpenters work across nearly every phase of construction, from laying out foundations to installing trim and cabinetry.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Reading blueprints, drawings, and building plans to determine dimensions and materials
• Measuring, cutting, and shaping wood, drywall, fiberglass, and other materials
• Building and installing frameworks for structures including walls, floors, doorframes, and roofs
• Constructing concrete forms for foundations and footings
• Installing cabinets, siding, drywall, and insulation
• Inspecting and replacing damaged framework or structural components
• Using hand tools (hammers, chisels, planes) and power tools (saws, drills, nail guns)
• Following local building codes and safety regulations

Carpenters work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The work is physically demanding, often performed outdoors or in unfinished buildings, and involves standing, climbing, lifting, and kneeling for extended periods.

A Day in the Life

A typical workday for a carpenter depends on the type of project and stage of construction.

Rough carpenters (also called framers) might spend the day:

• Reviewing blueprints and laying out wall lines on a concrete slab
• Cutting and assembling wall frames, then raising and bracing them
• Installing floor joists, roof trusses, and sheathing
• Coordinating with electricians and plumbers on rough-in schedules

Finish carpenters often focus on:

• Installing interior doors, window casings, and baseboards
• Fitting and mounting kitchen cabinets and countertops
• Building custom shelving, mantels, or built-in furniture
• Sanding, caulking, and preparing surfaces for paint or stain

Most carpenters work full-time, and overtime is common during busy seasons or when project deadlines approach. Weather can affect outdoor work schedules, and some carpenters travel between job sites.

Salary & Job Outlook

Carpentry offers solid earning potential that grows with experience, specialization, and location.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2023)

Job outlook highlights:

• Current employment: 1,012,100 carpenters nationwide
• Projected growth (2022–2032): 2% (slower than average)
• Annual job openings: approximately 89,400 per year
• Why openings remain high: Most openings come from workers transferring to other occupations or retiring, not from growth alone

Carpenters who specialize in areas like green building, commercial construction, or restoration work may find stronger demand. Union carpenters and those in metropolitan areas with active construction markets often earn above the median.

How to Become a Carpenter

Carpentry is accessible through multiple training paths. Most carpenters learn through a combination of formal education and on-the-job training.

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

Math (especially geometry and measurement), shop classes, and mechanical drawing provide useful foundations. Some high schools offer pre-apprenticeship or vocational construction programs.

2. Choose a Training Path

Apprenticeship (3–4 years): The most common path into carpentry. Registered apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training (typically 2,000 hours per year) with classroom instruction (about 144 hours per year). Apprentices earn while they learn, starting at roughly 50–60% of a journeyman’s wage and increasing as they gain experience. Programs are offered through:

• United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners (UBC)
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
• Local joint apprenticeship committees

Certificate or Diploma Programs (6–12 months): Trade schools and community colleges offer carpentry certificates covering framing, blueprint reading, tool safety, and construction math. These programs can help you enter the workforce faster or prepare for an apprenticeship.

Associate Degree in Construction Technology (2 years): Includes broader coursework in project management, estimating, and building science alongside hands-on carpentry skills.

3. Gain Field Experience

Entry-level carpenters typically work as helpers or laborers before taking on independent tasks. Experience across different project types (residential, commercial, renovation) builds versatility.

4. Obtain Certifications (Optional but Valuable)

While not always required, certifications demonstrate competence and can lead to higher pay.

5. Advance Your Career

Experienced carpenters can move into lead carpenter, foreman, superintendent, or general contractor roles. Some start their own contracting businesses.

Licensing & Certification

Carpenter licensing varies significantly by state and locality.

State licensing:

• Some states require a contractor’s license for carpenters who work independently or bid on jobs above a certain dollar amount
• Licensing typically requires documented work experience (often 2–4 years), passing a trade exam, and proof of insurance or bonding
• States like California, Arizona, and Nevada have more stringent licensing requirements for carpenters and general contractors

Industry certifications:

• NCCER Carpentry Certification: A nationally recognized credential covering four levels of carpentry competency, from basic safety and tools through advanced framing and finishing
• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction Safety: Required on most commercial job sites; covers hazard recognition and fall protection
• EPA Lead-Safe Certification (RRP): Required for renovation work in pre-1978 buildings that may contain lead paint
• First Aid/CPR: Often required by employers and apprenticeship programs

Check your state’s contractor licensing board for specific requirements before working independently.

Skills Carpenters Need

Carpentry demands a blend of physical ability, technical knowledge, and problem-solving.

Technical skills:

• Blueprint and plan reading
• Construction math (framing calculations, material estimation, angles)
• Proficiency with hand tools and power tools
• Understanding of building codes and structural principles
• Knowledge of wood species, engineered lumber, and fastening systems

Physical requirements:

• Strength to lift and carry materials (often 50+ pounds)
• Balance and comfort working at heights on scaffolding or ladders
• Manual dexterity for precise cutting, fitting, and fastening
• Stamina for full days of physical work in varying weather

Soft skills:

• Attention to detail and measurement accuracy
• Problem-solving when plans meet real-world conditions
• Communication and teamwork on multi-trade job sites
• Time management and ability to work independently

Specialization Areas

Carpentry offers several paths for specialization:

• Rough Carpentry (Framing): Structural framing for walls, floors, and roofs
• Finish Carpentry: Trim, molding, cabinetry, and decorative woodwork
• Formwork Carpentry: Building molds for poured concrete in commercial construction
• Renovation & Restoration: Repairing and restoring older buildings while maintaining architectural integrity
• Green Building: Sustainable construction methods, energy-efficient framing, and LEED project work
• Scenic Carpentry: Building sets and structures for film, theater, and events
• Cabinet Making: Custom cabinetry and fine woodworking (often a separate trade path)

Specialization typically develops through years of focused work experience rather than formal credentials.

Professional Associations & Resources

• United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC): The primary union for carpenters, offering apprenticeships and continuing education
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC): Training programs and craft certifications for open-shop (non-union) carpenters
• National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER): Standardized curriculum and portable credentials
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Safety training and compliance resources

Career Advancement

Experienced carpenters have multiple paths forward:

• Lead Carpenter or Crew Foreman: Supervise teams and coordinate daily work
• Construction Superintendent: Manage entire projects from start to finish
• General Contractor: Run your own business, bid on projects, and hire subcontractors
• Construction Estimator: Calculate materials, labor, and costs for project bids
• Building Inspector: Verify construction meets code requirements
• Carpentry Instructor: Teach at trade schools or apprenticeship programs

According to BLS data, construction managers earn a median salary of $101,480 per year — a significant step up from journeyman carpenter wages.

Related Skilled Trade Careers

• Construction Worker
• Cabinet Maker
• Woodworker
• Drywall Installer
• Flooring Installer
• Construction Manager

Browse all Skilled Trades & Technical Careers.

Find Carpenter Training Programs

Ready to start your carpentry career? Browse accredited programs by location.

Carpenter Schools & Programs →

Compare programs near you. Program availability, tuition, schedules, and licensing requirements vary by school and state. Contact programs directly to confirm details.

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