Carpenter

Position Title

Carpenter

Alternate Titles

Wood worker and wood craftsman

Brief Job Description

Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made predominantly from wood.

Education and Training Level Description

Carpenters typically need a high school diploma. Carpenters often learn through on-the-job training or apprenticeships. Vocational-technical schools offer associates degrees in carpentry. Some carpenters begin their work in the field as carpenter’s helpers.

Carpenters first start work doing simple tasks under the guidance of experienced carpenters or other construction workers during a 4–5 year apprenticeship. Following an apprenticeship program, carpenters must pass two Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety courses. As carpenters gain experience and skills, they can earn a Journeyperson then Master Carpenter certification. Carpenters perform more complex carpentry tasks at each of these different levels of carpentry. 

Job Profile

Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. In the marine energy industry, carpenters build the wooden forms for concrete foundations, and they may assist with rigging and pile driving, build temporary buildings for construction activities, and construct guard rails, docks, or other water-related infrastructure. In the marine energy industry, they generally work on or near a dock.

Carpenters work with many different tools to cut and shape wood. Carpenters cut, shape, and assemble these materials with hand tools (squares, levels, and chisels, etc.) and power tools (sanders, circular saws, nail guns, welding machines, etc.). On large projects, carpenters may work with riggers and crane operators during the installation of large construction components. They use laser or tape measures on nearly every project to quickly determine distances, and they may also use personal electronic devices to help with planning, drafting, or other calculations on the site. 

Carpenters typically:

• Follow blueprints and building plans to meet the needs of clients
• Install structures and fixtures, such as window frames and molding
• Build wooden forms for building foundations
• Measure, cut, and shape wood and other supporting materials
• Construct and install building frameworks, including walls, floors, and doorframes
• Inspect and replace damaged framework or other structures and fixtures
• Instruct and direct laborers and other construction employees.

Job Skills

Carpenters typically need:

• To be detail oriented. Carpenters must be able to precisely cut, measure, and modify the materials they work with.
• Dexterity. Carpenters use many tools and need hand-eye coordination to avoid injuring themselves or damaging materials.
• Interpersonal skills. Carpenters need to work as a member of a team, cooperating with and assisting others.
• Math skills. Carpenters frequently use math skills, including basic trigonometry, to calculate the area, size, and amount of material needed for the job. 
• Physical strength. Carpenters use heavy tools and materials that weigh up to 100 pounds. They also must be able to stand, climb, or bend for many hours.
• Problem-solving skills. Carpenters may work independently with little guidance. They need to be able to modify building materials and make adjustments onsite to complete projects.
• Reading-comprehension skills. Carpenters need advanced reading ability to understand and follow complex instructions for installing certain products, such as doors.

More Information, Job Opportunities, etc.

For more information on carpenters, see: 

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Carpenters.

Resources

• Carpentry Guide: The Basics to Becoming a Carpenter
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Carpenters