Carpenter
Do you like making something out of nothing? Can you always spot the potential in a piece of lumber or cast aside piece of wood? Put your natural skills to work as a carpenter!
Cut, shape, and install building materials during construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures. Read blueprints and use hand and power tools.
Salary Range
$37,000 – $80,000
per year (10th–90th percentile)
Median Salary
$49,520
per year
Growth Outlook
2024–2034 projected
Build amazing structures from the ground up, Learn a vital trade as old as time, Put your creative energy and attention to detail to use!
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
- Study specifications in blueprints, sketches, or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
- Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
- Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
- Install structures or fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware, using carpenters' hand or power tools.
- Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.
- Select and order lumber or other required materials.
- Arrange for subcontractors to deal with special areas, such as heating or electrical wiring work.
- Maintain records, document actions, and present written progress reports.
- Build or repair cabinets, doors, frameworks, floors, or other wooden fixtures used in buildings, using woodworking machines, carpenter's hand tools, or power tools.
Tools of the Trade
Knowledge Areas
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads. 87/100
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 75/100
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. 67/100
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 66/100
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 65/100
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. 60/100
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. 54/100
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. 54/100
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 51/100
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. 47/100
Work Profile
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