# data[].attributes.headline
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Carpenters Career Outlook

# data[].attributes.subject
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Carpenters Career Outlook

# data[].attributes.body
SUMMARY:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the article “Carpenters” explains the career outlook, workplace environments, and key skills carpenters need to succeed.

REFLECTION:
I chose this source because the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a credible government organization that provides reliable employment information. It helps job seekers understand the long-term stability of carpentry jobs and what skills increase hiring chances. The article also shows how construction demand affects carpentry careers over time.

MLA CITATION:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Carpenters.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Department of Labor, 18 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/carpenters.htm. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.

# data[].attributes.headline
Carpenter Resume Examples & Skills to Include

# data[].attributes.subject
Carpenter Resume Examples & Skills to Include

# data[].attributes.body
SUMMARY:

According to MyPerfectResume, the article “Carpenter Resume Examples & Tips for 2025” explains how carpenters should include measurable skills, tool experience, and certifications on resumes to impress employers.

REFLECTION:

MyPerfectResume clearly shows that resumes for carpenters must highlight craftsmanship and safety experience. This helps skilled workers translate hands-on abilities into professional writing. The article emphasizes using numbers and tools to show real results from job sites.

CITATION:

MyPerfectResume. “Carpenter Resume Examples & Tips for 2025.” MyPerfectResume, 2025,
www.myperfectresume.com/resume/examples/construction/carpenter. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Carpenter Resume Examples & Templates (2025)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Build & download your Carpenter resume in a few simple steps. Browse expertly crafted examples & tips from Certified Professional Resume Writers.

# data[].attributes.headline
Carpenter Resume Formatting & Job-Focused Writing

# data[].attributes.subject
Carpenter Resume Formatting & Job-Focused Writing

# data[].attributes.body
SUMMARY:

According to Zety, the article “Carpenter Resume Example” explains how carpenters should format their resumes and include framing, blueprint reading, and equipment operation skills.

REFLECTION:

Zety provides clear examples that help workers express trade skills that might be hard to describe. It shows that carpenters must explain how their work contributes to successful building projects. This is important because employers want proof of quality and safety.

MLA CITATION:
Zety. “Carpenter Resume Example.” Zety, 2025, Carpenter Resume Examples (+ Carpentry Resume Skills Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.

# data[].attributes.headline
Job Outlook & Essential Skills for Carpenters

# data[].attributes.subject
Job Outlook & Essential Skills for Carpenters

# data[].attributes.body
SUMMARY:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the article “Carpenters” explains job growth in carpentry and the skills needed to work in different building environments.

REFLECTION:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics helps job seekers understand the long-term value of a carpentry career. It shows that carpenters will continue to be needed in housing and commercial construction. This helps workers feel confident choosing carpentry as a stable field.

MLA CITATION:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Carpenters.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024,
www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/carpenters.htm. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Summary

Quick Facts: Carpenters
2020 Median Pay

$49,520 per year
$23.81 per hour

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

Carpenters work indoors and outdoors on many types of construction projects, from installing kitchen cabinets to building highways and bridges.

Carpenters typically learn on the job and through apprenticeships.

The median annual wage for carpenters was $49,520 in May 2020.

Employment of carpenters is projected to grow 2 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations.

Despite limited employment growth, about 89,300 openings for carpenters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most 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.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for carpenters.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of carpenters with similar occupations.

Learn more about carpenters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

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

Duties

Carpenters typically do the following:

Follow blueprints and building plans to meet the needs of clients

Install structures and fixtures, such as windows and molding

Measure, cut, and shape wood, plastic, and other 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 helpers

Carpenters have many different tasks. Some carpenters insulate office buildings; others install drywall or kitchen cabinets in homes. Still others focus on production or commercial work to help construct tall buildings or bridges, installing wooden concrete forms for cement footings or pillars. These carpenters also erect shoring and scaffolding for buildings.

Carpenters use many different tools to cut and shape wood, plastic, fiberglass, or drywall. They use handtools, including squares, levels, and chisels, as well as many power tools, such as sanders, circular saws, nail guns, and welding machines. On large projects, carpenters may use rigging hardware and cranes as part of the installation process. Carpenters may also use smart phones, tablets, and other personal electronic devices to assist with planning, drafting, or other calculations.

Carpenters fasten materials with nails, screws, staples, and adhesives and check their work to ensure that it is correct. They use tape measures or laser measures on nearly every project to quickly determine distances. Many employers require carpenters to supply their own tools on the job.

The following are examples of types of carpenters:

Construction carpenters construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures of wood, plywood, and wallboard, using carpenters' handtools and power tools.

Rough carpenters build rough wooden structures, such as concrete forms; scaffolds; tunnel, bridge, or sewer supports; and temporary frame shelters, according to sketches, blueprints, or oral instructions.

Wood flooring installers put in a variety of materials, including plank, strip, end-grain, and parquet flooring. These wood products may be nailed in place or glued down. Floor sanders and finishers may smooth the flooring onsite or it may be prefinished prior to installation.

Carpenters held about 942,900 jobs in 2020. The largest employers of carpenters were as follows:

Self-employed workers

26%

Residential building construction

22

Nonresidential building construction

13

Building finishing contractors

12

Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors

10

Carpenters work indoors and outdoors on many types of construction projects, from installing kitchen cabinets to building highways and bridges. Carpenters may work in cramped spaces and frequently alternate between lifting, standing, and kneeling. Those who work outdoors are subject to variable weather, which may affect a project's schedule.

Injuries and Illnesses

Carpenters sometimes get injured on the job, such as from strains caused by overexertion due to lifting and moving materials. Other common injuries result from falls, slips, trips, and contact with objects or equipment. Workers often wear equipment such as boots, hardhats, protective eyewear, and reflective vests as a safeguard against injuries.

Work Schedules

Most carpenters work full time, which may include evenings and weekends to meet clients' deadlines. Extreme temperatures or inclement weather may impact building construction timelines, which in turn may affect carpenters' work hours.

Carpenters typically need a high school diploma and learn on the job or through apprenticeships.

Education

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to enter the occupation. Certain high school courses, such as mathematics and mechanical drawing, may be useful. Some vocational-technical schools offer associate's degrees in carpentry. The programs vary in length and teach basics and specialties in carpentry.

Training

Carpenters typically learn on the job or through apprenticeships. They often begin doing simple tasks, such as measuring and cutting wood, under the guidance of experienced carpenters or other construction workers. They then progress to more complex tasks, such as reading blueprints and building wooden structures.

Several groups, such as unions and contractor associations, sponsor apprenticeship programs. For each year of a typical program, apprentices must complete a predetermined number of hours of technical training and paid on-the-job training. Apprenticeship program requirements differ based on the type of program and by region. Apprentices learn carpentry basics, blueprint reading, mathematics, building code requirements, and safety and first aid practices. They also may receive specialized training in creating and setting concrete forms, rigging, welding, scaffold building, and working within confined workspaces. All carpenters must pass the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-hour safety course.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Some carpenters work as construction laborers or helpers before becoming carpenters. Laborers and helpers learn tasks that are similar to those of carpenters.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Carpenters may need a driver's license to travel to jobsites.

Optional programs offer certification by specialty that may allow carpenters to find additional work opportunities or lead to career advancement. For example, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry offers various levels of certification for remodeling. The National Wood Flooring Association offers certification for installers, craftsman, and master craftsman.

Advancement

Carpenters are involved in many phases of construction and may have opportunities to become first-line supervisors, lead carpenters, independent contractors, or general construction supervisors.

Important Qualities

Business skills. Self-employed carpenters must conduct activities such as bidding on new jobs, tracking inventory, and directing workers.

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. They also may interact with customers.

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.

Median annual wages, May 2020

The median annual wage for carpenters was $49,520 in May 2020. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,200, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $87,410.

In May 2020, the median annual wages for carpenters in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Nonresidential building construction

$54,220

Building finishing contractors

50,030

Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors

48,430

Residential building construction

47,710

The starting pay for apprentices is less than what fully trained carpenters make. As apprentices gain experience, they receive more pay.

Most carpenters work full time, which may include evenings and weekends to meet clients' deadlines. Extreme temperatures or inclement weather may impact building construction timelines, which in turn may affect carpenters' hours.

Employment of carpenters is projected to grow 2 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations.

Despite limited employment growth, about 89,300 openings for carpenters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most 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.

Employment

Population growth should result in more new-home construction-one of the largest segments employing carpenters-which will create some jobs for carpenters. Construction of factories and power plants is also expected to result in some new jobs over the decade.

However, the increasing popularity of modular and prefabricated components and homes reduces the need for carpenters to build and install them onsite. Roofs, bathrooms, windows, and buildings can be manufactured in a separate facility and then assembled onsite.

Occupational Title

SOC Code

Employment, 2020

Projected Employment, 2030

Change, 2020-30

Employment by Industry

Percent

Numeric

Carpenters

47-2031

942,900

963,000

2

20,100
Get data

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state's websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

For details about apprenticeships or other work opportunities in this trade, contact the offices of the state employment service, the state apprenticeship agency, local contractors or firms that employ carpenters, or local union-management carpenter apprenticeship committees. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627. Visit Apprenticeship.gov to search for apprenticeship opportunities.

For more information about carpenters, including training opportunities, visit
Associated Builders and Contractors Associated General Contractors of America Home Builders Institute National Association of the Remodeling Industry NCCER
National Wood Flooring Association
Occupational Safety and Health Administration United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Carpenters Training Fund
For more information about pre-apprenticeship training, visit
Home Builders Institute National Building Trades Union
For information about opportunities for military veterans, visit:
Helmets to Hardhats
O*NET
Carpenters

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Quick Facts: Carpenters 2020 Median Pay $49,520 per year $23.81 per hour Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. Carpenters work indoors and outdoors on many types of construction projects, from installing kitchen cabinets to building highways and bridges.

# data[].attributes.headline
Carpenter Responsibilities & Hiring Requirements

# data[].attributes.subject
Carpenter Responsibilities & Hiring Requirements

# data[].attributes.body
SUMMARY:
According to Betterteam, the article “Carpenter Job Description” describes duties like measuring, cutting, installing, and using tools safely on job sites.

REFLECTION:
Betterteam explains exactly what employers expect carpenters to do each day. This helps workers choose which responsibilities to list to match job openings. Understanding expectations helps carpenters talk confidently about their job experience.

MLA CITATION:
Betterteam. “Carpenter Job Description.” Betterteam, 2025, www.betterteam.com/carpenter-job-description. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn about the key requirements, duties, responsibilities, and skills that should be in a carpenter job description.

# data[].attributes.headline
Certifications That Improve Hiring for Carpenters

# data[].attributes.subject
Certifications That Improve Hiring for Carpenters

# data[].attributes.body
SUMMARY:
According to TryToolbox, the article “12 Construction Certifications That Will Boost Your Career” lists training certifications that increase hiring chances in the construction industry.

REFLECTION:
TryToolbox encourages carpenters to grow skills that lead to better pay and more job offers. Employers will take certified workers more seriously because they show responsibility and safety knowledge. This gives job seekers reliable steps to strengthen their resumes.

MLA CITATION:
TryToolbox. “12 Construction Certifications That Will Boost Your Career.” TryToolbox, 2024,
www.trytoolbox.com/blog/best-construction-certifications. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
12 Construction Certifications That Will Boost Your Career

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
12 construction certifications can obtain and their benefits to your construction company and profession.

# data[].attributes.body
SUMMARY:
According to SimplyHired, the webpage “Carpenter Jobs Near Me” helps carpenters search for jobs based on location and skill level.

REFLECTION:
SimplyHired supports workers who need positions close to home and places they can commute to. This helps job seekers keep consistent employment. It also reduces stress by showing openings they are qualified for.

MLA CITATION:
SimplyHired. “Carpenter Jobs Near Me.” SimplyHired, 2025, www.simplyhired.com/search?q=carpenter. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
SUMMARY:
According to Tradesmen International, the webpage “Now Hiring Carpenters” connects carpenters to companies needing skilled workers.

REFLECTION:
Tradesmen International helps workers get employment rather than temporary gigs. The article shows that staffing companies can help build careers, not just find jobs.

MLA CITATION:
Tradesmen International. “Now Hiring Carpenters.” Tradesmen International, 2025,
www.tradesmeninternational.com/jobs/carpenter. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Carpenter Staffing Services | Find Skilled Carpenters – Tradesmen International

# data[].attributes.body
SUMMARY:
According to JobHero, the article “Carpenter Resume Examples” provides resume templates designed for carpenters and explains how to impress hiring managers.

REFLECTION:
JobHero gives carpenters real examples that match their trade experience. This helps workers feel confident about sharing their skills and accomplishments. It supports self-advocacy and professional communication.

MLA CITATION:
JobHero. “Carpenter Resume Examples.” JobHero, 2025,
www.jobhero.com/resume/examples/construction/carpenter. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Read more articles by Gabriela Barcenas Follow:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
6+ Carpenter Resume Examples & Templates

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find the best Carpenter resume examples to help improve your resume. Each resume is hand-picked from our database of real resumes.