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For Educators: Military Resources

Carpenters

Median Salary
56,350
Job Outlook
+4%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

63%

Self-employed

32%

Private not for profit

2%

State and local government

1%

Federal Government

1%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of carpenters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 76,500 openings for carpenters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$26,990

10%

$56,350

Median

$82,040

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    52%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    21%

  • Less than high school

    17%

  • Some college

    8%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Carpentry/Carpenter

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Building and Construction
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical
  • Education and Training
  • Design

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.