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.
Also called: Aluminum Siding Applicator, Aluminum Siding Installer, Aluminum Siding Mechanic, Assembled Wood Products Repairer, Beam Builder, Boat Carpenter
Median pay
$60,580
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$40,410 – $99,910
People employed
670,090
Holland code
RCA
Realistic · Conventional · Artistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 2.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 3.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 4.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 5.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 6.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 7.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
- Work outdoors in all weather
Carpenters pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What carpenters do
- 01Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
- 02Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
- 03Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
- 04Select and order lumber or other required materials.
- 05Install structures or fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware, using carpenters' hand or power tools.
- 06Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Building and Construction
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 4 years, up to and including 10 years.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from carpenters
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic85% · +5%
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters81% · −15%
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters77% · −22%
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers77% · −11%
- Riggers76% · +3%
Change into carpenters
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Helpers--Roofers88% · $44,160
- Fence Erectors87% · $47,980
- Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers85% · $45,990
- Helpers--Carpenters83% · $43,780
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic82% · $63,870
Majors that lead here
- Carpentry/Carpenter
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.