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What does a construction carpenter do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read

A construction carpenter builds, designs, and installs structures, furniture, and fixtures from various materials. They are responsible for understanding and meeting the clients' needs, adhering to blueprints, operating different tools and equipment, measuring and cutting materials such as wood and metal, shaping and assembling various parts, and performing repairs or replacements. There are also instances where they must climb up high places, install doors and windows, and provide cost estimates to clients. Moreover, a construction carpenter typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a safe and efficient workflow.

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Construction carpenter responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real construction carpenter resumes:

  • General construction including rough and finish carpentry, drywall, roofing, cement work, equipment operator, and landscaping
  • Interpret blueprints and schematics to construct scaffolding and supporting structures for major projects.
  • Complete home builds, additions, renovations (interior/kitchen), including plumbing, flooring.
  • Upgrade existing cooling tower (demo and install 2x6s,4x6s,2x4s, hogwire, and filters for water )
  • Arrange for subcontractors to deal with special areas such as heating, plumbing and electrical wiring work.
  • Design and layout in respect to flooring, wall, door, window systems, stairways and complete roofing systems.
  • Complete remodeling of homes, starting with demo of walls, floors, tile, cabinets, doors, exc.
  • Accomplishmentshelp finish a new car dealer ship.Skills UsedBasic mathematics.
  • Advance knowledge of architectural millwork.

Construction carpenter skills and personality traits

We calculated that 16% of Construction Carpenters are proficient in Hand Tools, Safety Rules, and Ladders. They’re also known for soft skills such as Business skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.

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

  • Hand Tools, 16%

    Examined structural timbers and supports to detect decay and replaced timbers as required, using hand tools, nuts and bolts.

  • Safety Rules, 16%

    Followed established safety rules and regulations and maintained a safe and clean environment.

  • Ladders, 9%

    Erected scaffolding and ladders Loaded and unloaded trucks.

  • Scaffolding, 9%

    Performed applied carpentry including installation of structures, blueprint interpretation, and limited scaffolding.

  • Demolition, 5%

    House framing, home remodeling, building demolition, plumbing.

  • Roofing, 4%

    Service and RepairWindow, Door, Cabinet, Roofing and Siding Installation and Concrete Construction, and some Plumbing and Electrical.

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

Business skills. One of the key soft skills for a construction carpenter to have is business skills. You can see how this relates to what construction carpenters do because "self-employed carpenters must conduct activities such as bidding on new jobs, tracking inventory, and directing workers." Additionally, a construction carpenter resume shows how construction carpenters use business skills: "assisted in general construction tasks, family owned business. "

Detail oriented. Many construction carpenter duties rely on detail oriented. "carpenters must be able to precisely cut, measure, and modify the materials they work with.," so a construction carpenter will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways construction carpenter responsibilities rely on detail oriented: "detailed knowledge of the building of both commercial buildings and custom homes. "

Dexterity. This is an important skill for construction carpenters to perform their duties. For an example of how construction carpenter responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "carpenters use many tools and need hand-eye coordination to avoid injuring themselves or damaging materials." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a construction carpenter: "set scaffolding, operate forklift with man basket, use of all carpentry hand and power tools and safety rigging. ".

Math skills. A big part of what construction carpenters do relies on "math skills." You can see how essential it is to construction 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 construction carpenter tasks: "applied math skills to handle a tape measure and other measurement tools. "

Physical strength. Another common skill required for construction carpenter responsibilities is "physical strength." This skill comes up in the duties of construction carpenters all the time, as "carpenters use heavy tools and materials that weigh up to 100 pounds." An excerpt from a real construction carpenter resume shows how this skill is central to what a construction carpenter does: "identified and selected construction materials considering strength, moisture content, grade, mix, application procedures, and curing. "

Problem-solving skills. Lastly, "problem-solving skills" is an important element of what a construction carpenter does. Construction carpenter responsibilities require this skill because "carpenters may work independently with little guidance." This resume example highlights how construction carpenter duties rely on this skill: "performed maintenance solutions such as: carpentry, window installations, and painting. "

All construction carpenter skills

The three companies that hire the most construction carpenters are:

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Compare different construction carpenters

Construction carpenter vs. General foreman

Using their knowledge and expertise of all construction disciplines, a general foreman plans and oversees operations within a construction site to ensure that everything is running smoothly. They are typically in charge of conducting regular inspections, coordinating with engineers and architects, managing the budget and expenditures, supervising workers, and ensuring that the project moves according to the desired time frame. Furthermore, a general foreman implements all safety regulations and policies to ensure a safe and productive work environment for everyone.

If we compare the average construction carpenter annual salary with that of a general foreman, we find that general foremen typically earn a $12,112 higher salary than construction carpenters make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both construction carpenter and general foreman positions are skilled in safety rules, construction projects, and power saws.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, construction carpenter responsibilities require skills like "hand tools," "ladders," "scaffolding," and "demolition." Meanwhile a typical general foreman has skills in areas such as "safety procedures," "osha," "quality standards," and "oversight." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

General foremen really shine in the construction industry with an average salary of $54,753. Comparatively, construction carpenters tend to make the most money in the construction industry with an average salary of $43,346.On average, general foremen reach similar levels of education than construction carpenters. General foremen are 1.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Construction carpenter vs. Framer

A framer is responsible for devising work plans and assembling the framework structure essential for constructing houses and other facilities. Moreover, they are also responsible for finding the appropriate materials needed for the project, setting the budget, managing the schedule, and consulting with the client for their preferences. The duties of a framer mainly involve physical work and attention to detail. There are instances when one must operate various power tools and equipment, understand blueprints, and even climb up high places.

On average, framers earn a $2,107 lower salary than construction carpenters a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both construction carpenters and framers have skills such as "safety rules," "construction projects," and "clean environment. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, construction carpenter responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "hand tools," "ladders," "scaffolding," and "demolition." Meanwhile, a framer has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "taking care," "tape measure," and "sheetrock." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Framers may earn a lower salary than construction carpenters, but framers earn the most pay in the construction industry with an average salary of $39,620. On the other hand, construction carpenters receive higher pay in the construction industry, where they earn an average salary of $43,346.In general, framers achieve similar levels of education than construction carpenters. They're 1.4% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Construction carpenter vs. Prestressed concrete labour

Prestressed concrete labor works at construction sites where they are in charge of handling and processing prestressed concrete materials into structural forms. They typically coordinate with managers and engineers to learn the construction plans and guidelines, design and build structures, prepare materials, and perform corrective measures when necessary. They must also maintain an active communication line with staff, coordinating regularly. Moreover, prestressed concrete labor must abide by the construction site's safety policies and regulations for a safe and efficient work environment.

An average prestressed concrete labour eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of construction carpenters. The difference in salaries amounts to prestressed concrete labours earning a $2,258 lower average salary than construction carpenters.Using the responsibilities included on construction carpenters and prestressed concrete labours resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "hand tools," "scaffolding," and "demolition.rdquo;

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, construction carpenters are more likely to have skills like "safety rules," "ladders," "roofing," and "plumbing." But a prestressed concrete labour is more likely to have skills like "rakes," "work ethic," "strong work ethic," and "physical labor."

Prestressed concrete labours earn the highest salary when working in the construction industry, where they receive an average salary of $38,973. Comparatively, construction carpenters have the highest earning potential in the construction industry, with an average salary of $43,346.prestressed concrete labours typically earn similar educational levels compared to construction carpenters. Specifically, they're 2.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Construction carpenter vs. Contractor assistant

A contractor assistant is responsible for overseeing construction operations under the supervision of the general contractor, from the initial designs to the final touches, ensuring that the final output meets the client's specifications, requirements, and budget goals. Contractor assistants evaluate the costs and expenses and monitor the financial transactions for the project. They also coordinate with the client for updates and other adjustments as needed without compromising the project deliverables. Additionally, a contractor assistant may perform administrative and clerical duties on top of site visits, depending on the general contractor's needs.

Contractor assistants typically earn higher pay than construction carpenters. On average, contractor assistants earn a $3,048 higher salary per year.While their salaries may vary, construction carpenters and contractor assistants both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "construction projects," "drywall installation," and "residential construction. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "hand tools," "safety rules," "ladders," and "scaffolding" are skills that commonly show up on construction carpenter resumes. On the other hand, contractor assistants use skills like purchase orders, administrative tasks, contract terms, and construction sites on their resumes.contractor assistants enjoy the best pay in the construction industry, with an average salary of $44,460. For comparison, construction carpenters earn the highest salary in the construction industry.contractor assistants reach similar levels of education compared to construction carpenters, in general. The difference is that they're 2.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of construction 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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