Carpenter Job Description Information

Carpenters are skilled craftsman who build, finish and repair residential and commercial structures. These structures may be made of wood or metal. They may also work on bridges and dams. Carpenters perform a variety of task in the field of construction, including the building, repairing and replacing of portions of structures. Carpenters primarily work with wood, although a particular job function could require them to work with other materials. Many carpenters are self-employed, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics placing the figure at 32 percent.

 

Skills

• Carpenters need to possess a strong mechanical aptitude. Their job requires the continuous use of tools, and they must be comfortable working with machinery used in woodworking. They must be capable of performing tasks such as measuring, cutting and sizing. Carpenters should also be familiar with building codes and keep up to date on any changes.

Working Conditions

• Carpenters often work at construction sites and in residential buildings. They may perform a variety of functions depending on where they are working. Some of their tasks could include building stairs and floors and working with concrete. They may also be called upon to frame walls and install trim. In many instances, a carpenter must be a jack-of-all-trades.

Training

• There are several ways to become a carpenter. The most common method is to complete an apprenticeship that can be attained through organizations such as the National Association of Home Builders (see Resource), although the number of available apprenticeships is often limited. Another way is to learn the trade is by working for a veteran carpenter.

Outlook

• The demand for carpenters is expected to be the same as for most other industries as of 2009. Job openings are often created through attrition, as some leave the field due the physical demands of the job. Also, any growth in the number of jobs is likely to be mitigated by advances in technology that render some job functions obsolete.

Earnings

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2006, a carpenter's median earnings ranged from $10.88 per hour for those working in employment services to $17.39 an hour for those working in residential construction. Overall, the median earnings were $17.57 per hour. Earnings could fluctuate due to lost time from bad weather and from working overtime.

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Carpenter Salary Information

Carpenters are construction workers who repair, remodel, construct and install structures made of wood, plastic and other materials, using numerous types of tools. Many are self-employed while others work for residential building contractors or large commercial building companies. Their salaries vary widely depending on their skill level and experience.

 

Starting Salary

• The median starting salary for carpenters in 2009 is around $30,000, with an increase to $43,000 with 5 years' experience.

General Range

• About 80 percent of carpenters in 2008 were making between $24,000 and $69,000. Narrowing it further, the middle 50 percent had salaries of between $30,000 and $53,000.

Energy Industry

• Carpenters working in energy industries including natural gas, oil, coal and electrical power generally make higher salaries, from $61,000 to $66,000 on average.

Supervisors

• Lead carpenters and supervisors for construction companies earn salaries in the median range of $44,000 to $56,000.

Union Members

• Union members also earn salaries on the middle to higher end of the scale. A journeyman carpenter earns $41,000 while a master carpenter earns more than $50,000.

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How to Become a Carpenter

Carpenters are highly skilled craftspersons who fall into two basic categories. Structural carpenters are involved in the construction of buildings, whereas detail carpenters work to create, maintain or refinish items such as furniture.

1. Realize that you must have excellent manual dexterity, good math knowledge and the willingness and ability to do physical work.
2. Begin learning the trade while you are in high school by taking courses such as math, mechanical drawing, blueprint reading and general shop. You should also begin to learn how to use a variety of woodworking tools.
3. Ask your guidance counselor for information on the valuable carpentry apprentice programs for high school graduates in your area. Be aware that an apprenticeship lasts for about four years, includes classroom work and can be difficult to get.
4. Work in a beginner's position for a carpentry contractor if you cannot get into an apprentice program. You will probably receive on-the-job training in only one type of carpentry work, so you will eventually need to learn other carpentry skills elsewhere. Multiskilled carpenters get the jobs during tougher economic times.
5. Contact the Associated General Contractors (agc.org), the Associated Builders and Contractors (abc.org), the National Association of Home Builders (nahb.org) and various unions for information about the carpentry field and apprenticeships.

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