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What does a carpenter do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does a carpenter do

A carpenter is a skilled worker responsible for different areas of construction. Carpenters perform fabrication from raw materials. They use tools to create a successful finished product on their client's request. Carpenters must be able to multi-task, resolve any possible complications, strictly follow safety standards, and ensure that the project adheres to protocols without compromising quality and accuracy of work. Since carpentry is physical labor, carpenters are expected to be physically fit to accomplish various maintenance and production tasks.

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Carpenter responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real carpenter resumes:

  • Remodel homes, roofing, electric, plumbing, framework, Sheetrock, finishing work.
  • Hoist tar and roofing materials to roofs, using ropes and pulleys, or carry materials up ladders.
  • Follow establish safety rules and regulations as specified by OSHA and maintain a safe and clean work environment.
  • Perform new construction, concrete foundations, layout framing, formwork, roofing, site preparation through fine finish.
  • Perform work including, fiberglass framing, concrete form, scaffolding, erecting metal stud walls, drywall and general carpentry
  • General labor practices, carpentry, masonry, cement pouring, hardwood floors, cleanup, and other duties as assigned.
  • Perform general carpentry duties in construction and remodeling of private residential dwellings, including roofing and painting.
  • Complete residential construction projects using carpentry skills including framing, interior/exterior trim, roofing, and flooring installation and repair.
  • Remodel apartments from frame to finish.
  • Carpenter, Sheetrock finisher and plaster repair.
  • Train to administer first aid and CPR.
  • Program CNC machines, lead development runs through factory.
  • Install steel strand barrier cable around the perimeter structure, guard rails, barricades, wood framing and build safety ladders.
  • Ensure compliance with all local building codes and OSHA requirements.
  • Concrete, brick, wood, and metal framing demolition.

Carpenter skills and personality traits

We calculated that 17% of Carpenters are proficient in Hand Tools, Ladders, and Install Windows. They’re also known for soft skills such as Business skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.

We break down the percentage of Carpenters that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Hand Tools, 17%

    Worked with hand tools/ machinery to assist with different projects including bridges/drywall/painting etc.

  • Ladders, 8%

    Followed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guides for scaffolding, fall protection, ladders, stairways, etc.

  • Install Windows, 7%

    Read blue prints, frame houses, cut wood to specific measurements, deck roofing, and install windows and doors.

  • Roofing, 7%

    Completed residential construction projects using carpentry skills including framing, interior/exterior trim, roofing, and flooring installation and repair.

  • Safety Rules, 6%

    Organized safety rules and regulations for all machinery.

  • Scaffolding, 6%

    Coordinated with crane operators and heavy equipment operators for structural assembly/ material / scaffolding location.

Common skills that a carpenter uses to do their job include "hand tools," "ladders," and "install windows." You can find details on the most important carpenter responsibilities below.

Business skills. The most essential soft skill for a carpenter to carry out their responsibilities is business skills. This skill is important for the role because "self-employed carpenters must conduct activities such as bidding on new jobs, tracking inventory, and directing workers." Additionally, a carpenter resume shows how their duties depend on business skills: "provided general construction services for private business, while focusing primarily on carpentry. "

Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling carpenter duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "carpenters must be able to precisely cut, measure, and modify the materials they work with." According to a carpenter resume, here's how carpenters can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "participated in the construction of large, uniquely designed houses from rough carpentry to finish details. "

Dexterity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of carpenters is dexterity. This skill is critical to many everyday carpenter duties, as "carpenters use many tools and need hand-eye coordination to avoid injuring themselves or damaging materials." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "aided in lifting, arrangement, and fastening of roofing panels. "

Math skills. A big part of what carpenters do relies on "math skills." You can see how essential it is to carpenter responsibilities because "carpenters frequently use math skills, including basic trigonometry, to calculate the area, size, and amount of material needed for the job. ." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical carpenter tasks: "shop safety rough framing finished carpentry roofing drywalling crane/hoist operation hand/power tools/table saw operation measuring/constrution math"

Physical strength. Another common skill required for carpenter responsibilities is "physical strength." This skill comes up in the duties of carpenters all the time, as "carpenters use heavy tools and materials that weigh up to 100 pounds." An excerpt from a real carpenter resume shows how this skill is central to what a carpenter does: "evaluated strength of structure with help of level tools and plumb bob. "

Problem-solving skills. Another skill commonly found on carpenter job descriptions is "problem-solving skills." It can come up quite often in carpenter duties, since "carpenters may work independently with little guidance." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day carpenter responsibilities: "gained knowledge in general construction work as well as solution resolution. "

See the full list of carpenter skills

The three companies that hire the most carpenters are:

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Carpenter vs. Construction foreman

A construction foreman is responsible for overseeing construction operations and determining the construction progress by monitoring plans and schedules. A construction foreman allocates tasks to the workers and ensures that everyone adheres to the safety guidelines and regulations, preventing potential hazards in the work area and avoiding construction delays. They also identify cost-reduction opportunities by handling negotiation with trusted suppliers and third-party vendors. A construction foreman inspects the quality of materials, including the equipment and machinery, allocates adequate resources for production, and resolves issues immediately.

We looked at the average carpenter salary and compared it with the wages of a construction foreman. Generally speaking, construction foremen are paid $15,373 higher than carpenters per year.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both carpenter and construction foreman positions are skilled in hand tools, ladders, and roofing.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, carpenter responsibilities require skills like "install windows," "scaffolding," "drywall installation," and "door installation." Meanwhile a typical construction foreman has skills in areas such as "work ethic," "cdl," "osha," and "strong work ethic." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Construction foremen really shine in the professional industry with an average salary of $62,811. Comparatively, carpenters tend to make the most money in the construction industry with an average salary of $47,370.The education levels that construction foremen earn slightly differ from carpenters. In particular, construction foremen are 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a carpenter. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Carpenter vs. Journeyman

A journeyman is an experienced worker whose role will vary on the line of industry where one is involved. They work without supervision from a master craftsman. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around performing manual work such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical tasks, and other forms of trade. Furthermore, a journeyman can choose whether to work independently or to be part of a business entity. They can also recruit and train an apprentice, or even pursue to become a master in their preferred field.

Journeyman positions earn higher pay than carpenter roles. They earn a $15,934 higher salary than carpenters per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both carpenters and journeymen have skills such as "hand tools," "plumbing," and "power saws. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real carpenter resumes. While carpenter responsibilities can utilize skills like "ladders," "install windows," "roofing," and "safety rules," journeymen use skills like "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "osha," and "pvc."

Journeymen earn a higher average salary than carpenters. But journeymen earn the highest pay in the construction industry, with an average salary of $62,379. Additionally, carpenters earn the highest salaries in the construction with average pay of $47,370 annually.In general, journeymen achieve similar levels of education than carpenters. They're 0.9% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Carpenter vs. Construction assistant

A construction assistant performs various clerical and operational support tasks to assist construction managers and maintain smooth workflow operations. Their responsibilities usually include monitoring budgets and costs, handling calls and correspondence, purchasing construction materials according to project requirements, liaising with suppliers and construction contractors, and participating in managing the schedules and activities of the workers. A construction assistant may also perform inspections to identify problem areas and ensure that all procedures adhere to the safety codes and standards.

An average construction assistant eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of carpenters. The difference in salaries amounts to construction assistants earning a $2,676 lower average salary than carpenters.By looking over several carpenters and construction assistants resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "drywall installation," "construction projects," and "power saws." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, carpenters are more likely to have skills like "hand tools," "ladders," "install windows," and "roofing." But a construction assistant is more likely to have skills like "general contractors," "equipment operators," "manual labor," and "construction management."

Construction assistants earn the best pay in the construction industry, where they command an average salary of $59,937. Carpenters earn the highest pay from the construction industry, with an average salary of $47,370.When it comes to education, construction assistants tend to earn similar degree levels compared to carpenters. In fact, they're 0.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Carpenter vs. Mason

A mason is responsible for shaping artificial mineral products, concrete blocks, stone pieces, and bricks to create structures essential for construction or other building purposes using various machinery and equipment, following the highest safety standards and production procedures. Masons analyze schematics and blueprints, applying the clients' specifications and customization to their product expertise. They also inspect tools and equipment, ensuring that the materials are free from any defects to avoid hazards and construction delays.

Masons average a higher salary than the annual salary of carpenters. The difference is about $2,226 per year.While both carpenters and masons complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like scaffolding, construction projects, and power saws, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between carpenters and masons, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a carpenter might have more use for skills like "hand tools," "ladders," "install windows," and "roofing." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of masons require skills like "masonry," "safety regulations," "dump truck," and "retaining walls. "

The average resume of masons showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to carpenters. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 3.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 1.1%.

Types of carpenter

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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