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What is a commercial carpenter and how to become one
Commercial carpenters work at large construction sites to provide professional woodworking services. They play vital roles in the construction of schools, bridges, hospitals, stores, and other types of commercial buildings. And unlike residential carpenters, commercial carpenters use special tools, equipment, and machinery to help build large-scale structures.
The specific duties of a commercial carpenter typically include interpreting construction plans, cutting construction materials according to specifications, fabricating wooden fixtures, installing window frames and doors, and putting up temporary construction structures. Some commercial carpenters are also responsible for welding parts needed in construction.
To become a commercial carpenter, one needs to complete a three- to four-year apprenticeship program after high school. Many employers also look for substantial working experience in carpentry to consider applicants for a commercial carpenter position. And since this role requires a higher level of carpentry skill, many commercial carpenters start as residential carpenters first.
Commercial carpenters, on average, take home a yearly income of $38,000, which is about $19 an hour. Their pay can eventually increase with additional experience and expertise, as well as any specializations that they may take up during their career.
Avg. Salary $46,563
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 2%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.04%
Asian 1.61%
Black or African American 7.29%
Hispanic or Latino 23.28%
Unknown 4.61%
White 62.18%
Genderfemale 2.32%
male 97.68%
Age - 41American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 41Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Commercial carpenter career paths
Key steps to become a commercial carpenter
Explore commercial carpenter education requirements
Start to develop specific commercial carpenter skills
Skills Percentages Hand Tools 19.37% Ladders 11.16% OSHA 8.42% Stud 6.64% Scaffolding 5.69% Complete relevant commercial carpenter training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New commercial carpenters learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a commercial carpenter based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real commercial carpenter resumes.Research commercial carpenter duties and responsibilities
- Manage complete renovations and new construction of banks for commercial construction company.
- Repair and install of plumbing supply lines, sanitation lines, electrical and HVAC.
- Apply caulking and sealing substances.
- Ensure all OSHA regulations are observed and advise employees in safety.
Prepare your commercial carpenter resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your commercial carpenter resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a commercial carpenter resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable commercial carpenter resume templates
Build a professional commercial carpenter resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your commercial carpenter resume.
Apply for commercial carpenter jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a commercial carpenter job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first commercial carpenter job
Are you a commercial carpenter?
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Average commercial carpenter salary
The average commercial carpenter salary in the United States is $46,563 per year or $22 per hour. Commercial carpenter salaries range between $35,000 and $61,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do commercial carpenters rate their job?
Commercial carpenter reviews
Seeing the finished product
I am a master carpenter. It’s hard sometimes waiting on materials to finish a job
Livable wage
Travel expenses, working away from home, working in bad conditions
I enjoy building things with wood. The gratification of seeing things come together from bottom, to top, when building. From top to bottom when taking down. All the way from pouring the slab, to hanging pictures on the painted walls..
Rainy days, lazy Co workers,
Updated January 8, 2025
