What Does a Carpenter/Labour Do?

Carpenters/ Laborers do general maintenance tasks and help in mechanical and carpentry-related jobs. Carpenters are versatile workers and perform different construction duties. They construct, install, erect, and repair structures and fixtures. Blueprints and building plans are followed by carpenters to meet their customer's needs. Typically, they install structures and fixtures like windows and molding. They also construct building frameworks like floors, walls, and door frames. Additionally, they operate forklifts, wheel loaders, skid steers, and similar equipment. Qualified applicants need manual dexterity, a good sense of balance as well as hand-eye coordination and must be physically fit.

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Carpenter/Labour Responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real carpenter/labour resumes representing typical tasks they are likely to perform in their roles.

Perform rough carpentry tasks utilizing basic carpentry tools including framing and roofing.
Concrete laborer, finish concrete, operate equipment, door hardware, concrete demo
Skil carpentry such as framing houses decking whole houses.AL do residential and commercial HVAC duct work.
Patch sheetrock, tape and floating after install, lastly put on texture either spray or knock down for beautiful look.
Remodel work framing sheetrock electrical plumbing
Frame houses roofing flooring siding concrete some electrical
General demo and renovation of residential properties.
Determine amount of materials identify appropriate construction locations and transport scaffolding materials.
Assist with monitoring the use of personal protective equipment or PPE requirements.
Finish protection, street space permits, scaffold erection, site security, stocking of equipment, material and PPE.
Mix and pour concrete and asphalt, level concrete and earth using trowels and shovels, and remove debris.
Paint interiors using spray guns, brushes, and rollers; used shovels to dig trenches and level soil and gravel.
Advance knowledge of architectural millwork.
Provide leadership on the restoration of residential and commercial properties.
Participate in process improvement and strategic planning initiatives with leadership team.

Carpenter/Labour Job Description

Between the years 2018 and 2028, carpenter/labour jobs are expected to undergo a growth rate described as "faster than average" at 8%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So if the thought "should I become a carpenter/labour?" Has crossed your mind, maybe you should take the growth rate into account. In addition, the number of carpenter/labour opportunities that are projected to become available by 2028 is 80,100.

A carpenter/labour annual salary averages $36,131, which breaks down to $17.37 an hour. However, carpenter/labours can earn anywhere from upwards of $27,000 to $47,000 a year. This means that the top-earning carpenter/labours make $17,000 more than the lowest-earning ones.

It's hard work to become a carpenter/labour, but even the most dedicated employees consider switching careers from time to time. Whether you're interested in a more challenging position or just looking for a fresh start, we've compiled extensive information on becoming a journeyman ironworker, construction foreman, mason, and construction assistant.

Learn More About Carpenter/Labour Job Descriptions

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12 Carpenter/Labour Resume Examples

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Michelle Harper Carpenter/Labour Contact Information Seattle, WA (590) 555-5137 mharper@example.com Skills Company Standards Fasten Materials Hand Tools Safe Job Site High End Pallet Jack Inbound Trucks Unpack Items Square Feet Construction Layout Employment History Carpenter/Labour 2015 - Present Tradesmen International Seattle, WA Perform demolition and carpentry work at commercial construction sites. Metal stud framing, demolition,setting steal , operated heavy equipment Worked with all different types of power and hand tools, power saws, nail guns, welding machines Practiced safety measures and comply with OSHA standards. Carpentry 2010 - 2015 BMC Stock Holdings Seattle, WA Concrete,drywall,flooring,framing,windows doors,hardware, build custom homes..one stories to three stories houses..juss mainly did the frame only Puller 2009 - 2010 Amazon Seattle, WA Read RF scanner to pick clients order accurately . Worked in various positions within the warehouse environment. Use Powered Industrial Trucks to pick customer orders and send to pack. worked with scan guns to pick orders customers ordered during the X-mas season. Education High School Diploma 2009 - 2009


Walter Mcdonald Carpenter/Labour Contact Info Richmond, VA (630) 555-4889 wmcdonald@example.com Skills Drywall RepairLayout AreasWindowsCustom HomesNew HomesConstruction CompanySafety RulesAir PocketsFormworkAppropriate Locations Employment History Carpenter/Labour 2019 - Present Carpenter Richmond, VA Use power saws, power nailers, forklifts and hand tools. Followed all safety rules imposed by OSHA Follow prescribed safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe, clean work area. Framer/Carpenter 2017 - 2019 Trojan Labor Baltimore, MD Assembled and installed concrete formwork for abutments and various bridge members, sign structures layout and formwork. Clean job sites Installed siding, cabinets, roofing, windows and doors. Installed doors, windows, base board, crown molding, casing, insulation, among others. Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws. Maintained high standards of customer service during high-volume, fast-paced operations. Prestressed Concrete Labour 2015 - 2017 Trojan Labor Baltimore, MD Performed grinding tasks using power and hand tools. Drive forklifts and other heavy equipment to move large and heavy object. Set up equipment for worksites Structural demolition and construction Masonry Work Assist Craft workers Knowledge of standard OSHA Procedures Education High School Diploma 2015 - 2015


Ruth Green Carpenter/Labour Raleigh, NC (550) 555-0375 rgreen@example.com Experience Carpenter/Labour2014 - Present Tradesmen International•Raleigh, NC Metal stud framing, demolition,setting steal , operated heavy equipment Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saw. Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment. Operate most power and hand tools of all types. Finish carpentry which included doors & hardware, cabinets &countertops, drop ceiling, drywall finishing &installing accesseries. Apprentice Carpenter2013 - 2014 Tradesmen International•Oklahoma City, OK Follow established Osha 10 safety rules, regulations and maintain a safe, clean environment for myself and team. Perform demolition and carpentry work at commercial construction sites. Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saw. Use a variety of fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, and hand tools. Carpentry2012 - 2013 Hobby Lobby•Oklahoma City, OK Advised customers on purchases and provided excellent customer service. Provided excellent Customer Service by helping customers find items and helped with returns Helped customers to find solutions to crafting problems Greet customers* Customer Service* Assemble all frames* Stock and restock Merchandise* Lift 20 pounds and more Skills Safe Job SiteWindowsHard WorkerBuilding CodesStudHand ToolsCustom CabinetsDoor HardwareCustomer ServicePlumb Bobs Education High School Diploma 2012 - 2012

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Carpenter/Labour Skills and Personality Traits

We calculated that 18% of Carpenter/Labours are proficient in Roofing, Safety Rules, and Drywall Installation. They’re also known for soft skills such as Business skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.

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

Roofing, 18%
Repair and maintained Rental and Property Homes General Labor Demolition Assemble Appliance Pressure Washing Roofing
Safety Rules, 10%
Follow established safety rules and regulations to clean work areas, machinery, or equipment to maintain a safe job site.
Drywall Installation, 10%
Involved in concrete pours, tiling, hard wood flooring installation, finish carpentry, painting, and drywall installation.
Door Installation, 6%
Garage door installation, associated carpentry and electrical work.
Sheetrock, 5%
General Construction-Demo and Remodel, Framing, Sheetrock, Laminate Floating Floors and Ceramic Tile
Tape Measure, 5%
Used a variety of hand tools, including a hammer, speed square, and a tape measure.

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Some of the skills we found on carpenter/labour resumes included "roofing," "safety rules," and "drywall installation." We have detailed the most important carpenter/labour responsibilities below.

Business skills can be considered to be the most important personality trait for a carpenter/labour to have. According to a carpenter/labour resume, "self-employed carpenters must bid on new jobs, track inventory, and plan work assignments." Carpenter/labours are able to use business skills in the following example we gathered from a resume: "general carpentry includes painting, drywall, caulking, electric wiring (home and business). "

While it may not be the most important skill, we found that many carpenter/labour duties rely on detail oriented. This example from a carpenter/labour explains why: "carpenters make precise cuts, measurements, and modifications." This resume example is just one of many ways carpenter/labours are able to utilize detail oriented: "framed houses detail and finishing work; trim work, painting, roofing supplies and tool maintenance"

Dexterity is also an important skill for carpenter/labours to have. This example of how carpenter/labours use this skill comes from a carpenter/labour resume, "carpenters use many tools and need hand-eye coordination to avoid injury or damaging materials" Read this excerpt from a resume to understand how vital it is to their everyday roles and responsibilities, "lift truck operator, rough carpentry, light welding. "

In order for certain carpenter/labour responsibilities to be completed, the job requires the skill "math skills." According to a carpenter/labour resume, "carpenters frequently use basic math skills to calculate area, precisely cut material, and determine the amount of material needed to complete the job." As an example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies: "accomplishmentshelped finish a new car dealer ship.skills usedbasic mathematics. "

Yet another important skill that a carpenter/labour must demonstrate is "physical strength." Carpenters use heavy tools and materials that can weigh up to 100 pounds This is clearly demonstrated in this example from a carpenter/labour who stated: "perform tasks involving physical labor at buildings and heavy contraction project. "

Another skill commonly found on carpenter/labour resumes is "problem-solving skills." This description of the skill was found on several carpenter/labour resumes: "carpenters may need to modify building material and make adjustments onsite to complete projects" Here's an example from a resume of how this skill could fit into the day-to-day carpenter/labour responsibilities: "completed elevated and sloped decks using doka's unique formwork solutions. "

See the full list of carpenter/labour skills.

Before becoming a carpenter/labour, 15.1% earned their bachelor's degree. When it comes down to graduating with a master's degree, 0.7% carpenter/labours went for the extra education. If you're wanting to pursue this career, it may be possible to be successful with a high school degree. In fact, some carpenter/labours have a college degree. But about one out of every two carpenter/labours didn't attend college at all.

Those carpenter/labours who do attend college, typically earn either business degrees or general studies degrees. Less commonly earned degrees for carpenter/labours include precision metal working degrees or construction management degrees.

Once you're ready to become a carpenter/labour, you should explore the companies that typically hire carpenter/labours. According to carpenter/labour resumes that we searched through, carpenter/labours are hired the most by TPI, AGC of Texas, and Aerotek. Currently, TPI has 25 carpenter/labour job openings, while there are 7 at AGC of Texas and 7 at Aerotek.

But if you're interested in companies where you might earn a high salary, carpenter/labours tend to earn the biggest salaries at RQ Construction, IMCO Construction, and MDU Resources. Take RQ Construction for example. The median carpenter/labour salary is $45,446. At IMCO Construction, carpenter/labours earn an average of $44,352, while the average at MDU Resources is $43,964. You should take into consideration how difficult it might be to secure a job with one of these companies.

View more details on carpenter/labour salaries across the United States.

If you earned a degree from the top 100 educational institutions in the United States, you might want to take a look at Tradesmen International, Carpenters Union, and Carpenter. These three companies have hired a significant number of carpenter/labours from these institutions.

The industries that carpenter/labours fulfill the most roles in are the construction and manufacturing industries. But the highest carpenter/labour annual salary is in the construction industry, averaging $42,011. In the energy industry they make $38,461 and average about $37,881 in the professional industry. In conclusion, carpenter/labours who work in the construction industry earn a 8.1% higher salary than carpenter/labours in the transportation industry.

The three companies that hire the most prestigious carpenter/labours are:

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What Journeyman Ironworkers Do

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/labour annual salary and compared it with the average of a journeyman ironworker. Generally speaking, journeyman ironworkers receive $5,181 higher pay than carpenter/labours per year.

While the salaries between these two careers can be different, they do share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both carpenter/labours and journeyman ironworkers positions are skilled in construction sites, demo, and commercial buildings.

There are some key differences in responsibilities as well. For example, a carpenter/labour responsibilities require skills like "roofing," "safety rules," "drywall installation," and "door installation." Meanwhile a typical journeyman ironworker has skills in areas such as "cranes," "bars," "hoisting," and "rebar." This difference in skills reveals how truly different these two careers really are.

On average, journeyman ironworkers reach similar levels of education than carpenter/labours. Journeyman ironworkers are 1.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

What Are The Duties Of a Construction Foreman?

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.

Next up, we have the construction foreman profession to look over. This career brings along a higher average salary when compared to a carpenter/labour annual salary. In fact, construction foremen salary difference is $20,990 higher than the salary of carpenter/labours per year.

Not everything about these jobs is different. Take their skills, for example. Carpenter/labours and construction foremen both include similar skills like "roofing," "safety rules," and "construction sites" on their resumes.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences that are worth noting. For example, carpenter/labour responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "drywall installation," "door installation," "sheetrock," and "tape measure." Meanwhile, a construction foreman might be skilled in areas such as "work ethic," "cdl," "osha," and "strong work ethic." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

On average, construction foremen earn a higher salary than carpenter/labours. There are industries that support higher salaries in each profession respectively. Interestingly enough, construction foremen earn the most pay in the professional industry with an average salary of $62,811. Whereas, carpenter/labours have higher paychecks in the construction industry where they earn an average of $42,011.

When it comes to the differences in education between the two professions, construction foremen tend to reach similar levels of education than carpenter/labours. In fact, they're 1.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

How a Mason Compares

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.

Let's now take a look at the mason profession. On average, these workers make higher salaries than carpenter/labours with a $7,843 difference per year.

Using carpenter/labours and masons resumes, we found that both professions have similar skills such as "construction sites," "masonry," and "construction projects," but the other skills required are very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers as shown by resumes from each profession. Some of those differences include the skills required to complete responsibilities within each role. As an example of this, a carpenter/labour is likely to be skilled in "roofing," "safety rules," "drywall installation," and "door installation," while a typical mason is skilled in "scaffolding," "safety regulations," "dump truck," and "windows."

Masons typically study at similar levels compared with carpenter/labours. For example, they're 4.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Description Of a Construction Assistant

Construction assistants tend to earn a higher pay than carpenter/labours by about $2,941 per year.

While their salaries may vary, carpenter/labours and construction assistants both use similar skills to perform their jobs. Resumes from both professions include skills like "drywall installation," "window installation," and "construction projects. "

While some skills are shared by these professions, there are some differences to note. "roofing," "safety rules," "door installation," and "sheetrock" are skills that have shown up on carpenter/labours resumes. Additionally, construction assistant uses skills like safety procedures, general contractors, equipment operators, and manual labor on their resumes.

Now, let's take a closer look at the financials in each career. The construction industry tends to pay more for construction assistants with an average of $59,937. While the highest carpenter/labour annual salary comes from the construction industry.

In general, construction assistants reach similar levels of education when compared to carpenter/labours resumes. Construction assistants are 1.8% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Updated October 2, 2020