Carpenter Career Guide

Learn how to become a carpenter, the daily job duties of a carpenter and how much money a carpenter can make

Today's Carpenters are trained to build, maintain and repair a wide variety of homes and facilities using various construction techniques and building materials. In addition, Carpenters frequently work outdoors, use a variety of tools and blueprints to accurately complete complex construction projects. The work of a Carpenter is diverse and constantly changing. Carpenters today are busy building new homes, renovating existing facilities and completing other custom woodworking projects. The Carpenter trade is in high demand and employers are constantly looking to hire workers that are willing to learn an exciting and challenging career.

Carpenter reading blueprints while building a new home.

Carpenter reading blueprints during construction.

Job that is in demand
The Home Building industry is constantly growing. At the same time many workers are beginning to retire. Therefore, there are many great career opportunities for people interested in the Carpenter trade.
Interesting and Challenging
Carpenters are always learning new skills to improve their ability to accurately complete complex projects. The work is very diverse and constantly changing.
No College Degree Required
You do not need an expensive college degree to work as a Carpenter. Many Carpenters have acquired training through apprenticeships, trade schools, community colleges, the military or on the job training with an employer.

Where you can work as an Carpenter

The skills that Carpenters develop through training and experience can be applied to a wide variety of jobs. These jobs range from general maintenance to Company owners.

Maintenance Department

Hospitals, Public Schools, University's, large corporations and facilities typically will employ an in-house Maintenance Department. Individuals with skills in the Carpentry field can easily find jobs as Carpenters, Building engineers and General maintenance workers.These workers get to learn their buildings and equipment, typically have steady year round work and get to go home at the same time every day.

Construction

New construction of homes and commercial buildings is a complex and challenging task. No job is the same and this requires installation workers to constantly adapt and apply creative skills to get the job done quickly, safely and efficiently. These workers frequently travel to various job locations, work overtime and may experience slow times throughout the year. New construction workers have been in high demand lately as homeowners, facility owners and new home builders have struggled to find skilled workers to complete complex and challenging carpentry projects.

Cabinet maker

Cabinet makers are carpenters that specialize in renovating kitchens. They plan, design, and install cabinetry and countertops in new and existing homes. These Carpenters interact directly with customers and provide significant assistance in the overall design of the project. These workers use a variety of tools and construction techniques to safely and effectively install a variety of cabinetry and countertops.

Carpenter career progression idea's

Here are some career advancement idea's for Carpenters that have several years of experience and training.

Facility Manager/Supervisor

Carpenters can learn valuable skills throughout their career that can help them advance to the position of Facility manager/Supervisor. Facility managers/Supervisors typically lead skilled tradesmen in the safe and efficient maintenance and repair of large facilities. They are knowledgeable in building codes, OSHA regulations, industry practices and workforce leadership.

Inspector

Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers work for product manufactures and help customers in the selection and use of their companies products. These workers help the customer select the correct product for the application, provide training and can assist in troubleshooting various problems that may occur. Sales Engineers usually requires some formal training, college, apprenticeship, years of experience and excellent people skills.

Company Owner

After completing training and several years of experience, a Carpenter can apply for a license to operate as a company owner. These workers are highly skilled and responsible for organizing, planning and completing complex construction and renovation projects. Company owners work directly with customers, facility owners, inspectors and employees. They are very busy and can work a significant amount of hours.

How to become a carpenter and how much money can a carpenter make

Training at a Carpenter school is an important step in beginning a successful career in the Carpenter trade. To get started, learn about the different Carpenter training paths you can take to become a Carpenter.

Carpenter Salary

A great website to get an idea of how much money you could possibly make as a Carpenter is The Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides some excellent compensation information along with a detailed job outlook for the Carpenter career field, how to get started in the Carpenter trade and typical working conditions of a Carpenter.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great resource for various skilled trades occupations. Click here for more information on the Carpenter Trade and other skilled trades careers-

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

The Occupational Employment Statistics program provides compensation information for various occupations. Click here for more information on compensation for a Carpenter- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472031.htm

Carpenter Apprenticeship Program

A great way to get started in the Carpenter trade is an apprenticeship program through a local Union. As an apprentice carpenter you will work for a union contractor and also attend classes at a union training facility. Apprenticeship programs typically last 4-5 years and apprentices receive pay increase as they progress throughout the program. Check out the following Unions for more information regarding Carpenter apprenticeship programs near you.

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and joiners of America-https://www.carpenters.org/

Another good website to check out for information regarding apprenticeship programs is ResumeBuilder.com. Not only do they have great information on creating resumes they also have apprenticeship information for each state. Visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/apprenticeship-resources-by-state/

Community College and Carpenter Trade School

Community College:

Many Community Colleges have building construction or Carpenter training programs that teach students construction techniques, use of tools, math, safety equipment and construction laws. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate or an Associates degree upon completion. Some Community College's, may also help students connect with employers. Check with your local Community College on what building construction or Carpenter training programs are available.

Carpenter Trade Schools:

There are many trade schools that specialize in Carpenter training. Many areas across the country have trades schools that teach Skilled Trades careers. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate upon completion. However, its important to research the training quality and how successful previous students have been at finding jobs. It's important to talk to local contractors and home construction companies on what their experience has been with students from a local trade school.

In short, Community Colleges and trade schools are a great way to get started in the Carpenter trade. It's important to research the quality of training and how successful previous students have been at finding and retaining jobs. Some Community Colleges and trade Schools, may have programs to connect students with employers. Talk to local contractors and home construction companies on what their experience has been with these schools.

Military

There are many skilled trades and construction occupations throughout the United States Armed Forces. Each military branch has personnel that are highly trained to service, maintain and install anything that exist on a military base. Enlisted members of the Armed Forces, complete a basic training course then they must complete additional training before they begin working in their occupation. Members of the Armed Forces get 30 days of vacation each year, food and housing, medical, dental and many other important benefits. Educational benefits are available during your enlistment period and upon completion. Joining the military can be a great way to learn a skilled trades or construction occupation.

Always contact a Military Recruiter to learn more detailed information on job opportunities, training, benefits and other important information for employment within the Armed Forces.

Air Force:

Click here for more information on Structural workers employed by the Air Force-https://www.airforce.com/careers/detail/structural

Navy:

Click here for more information on Hull Maintenance Technicians employed by the Navy to repair and maintain structures aboard ships-https://www.navy.com/careers/mechanical-industrial-technology

Click here for more information on Seabees employed by the Navy to construct, maintain and repair land based structures-https://www.navy.com/careers/construction

Coast Guard:

Click here for more information on Damage Controlman employed by the Coast Guard-https://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/enlisted-opportunities/view-job-descriptions/dc

Army:

Click here for more information on Carpentry and Masonry Specialist employed by the Army-https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/construction-engineering/carpentry-and-masonry-specialist.html

Contact a recruiter for additional information on Combat Engineer (MOS 1371). Click here for more information-https://www.marines.com/

Explore our career resources for other Skilled Trades jobs that are in demand today

The Trades are in demand and hiring today! View our career resources for other skilled trade careers and learn how to get started in a rewarding skilled trade job. Learn what trades are most in demand today, how to get started and how much money you can make in the trades. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

Skilled Trades Career Resources

Many Skilled Tradesmen have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program, trade school, the military or while working on the job. You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the Skilled Trades, facility maintenance or Construction field.

No College Degree Required

You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the skilled trades field. Many skilled tradesmen today, have acquired their training through apprenticeships, military, trade schools or working on the job.

No Expensive Student Loans

The average college student today graduates with a significant amount of debt due to their expensive student loans. On the other hand, an apprentice gets paid while completing their training program.

Great Rewarding Careers

There are many Skilled Trades and Construction career opportunities available today. Employers are constantly looking for workers with a good work ethic and the ability to learn new skills.